Gatchalian backs executive session on ex-PNP chief's POGO ties

Sen.Sherwin Gatchalian is willing to support calls for an executive session to get details about a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) allegedly on the payroll of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).

- By CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Gatchalian, one of the senators actively investigating the POGO links of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, noted that the information divulged by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) senior vice president and retired Brig.

Gen. Raul Villanueva, during the recent Senate hearing, was "very raw" and needed more supporting details.

"In the hearing, General Villanueva also said that the information is still being validated. So, for me, the information is still raw. It is still very raw. It is very important to get more details and information. This is a serious accusation," the senator said in an interview over dzBB.

“Even if it has to be an executive session, the Senate will allow it because it has a national security aspect to it. It is important for Villanueva to give details and names. The entire PNP is being defiled,” Gatchalian pointed out.

During the continuation of the Senate’s public hearing on POGO-related crimes, Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked Villanueva about the possibility that government officials may have helped Guo escape in exchange for money.