Senate Panel Recommends Prosecution of Persons Linked to POGOs

A Senate panel has recommended the prosecution of those involved in illegal activities related to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) and in protecting dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, yesterday submitted the committee's 54-page report on the inquiry on the crimes linked to POGOs.

In a privilege speech, Hontiveros said POGOs were used as a front to cover up crimes such as human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, prostitution, money laundering and exploitation by foreigners who obtained Filipino citizenship and entered politics, like Guo.

Hontiveros said POGO engendered corruption at the local and national levels, which was used by foreign agents like Guo and has implications on national security.