PAGCOR chair Tengco to testify at July 10 Senate inquiry on POGOs

The allegations by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco that a former cabinet official lobbied for and participated in issuing illegal POGO licenses under the previous regime will be investigated by the Philippines’ Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. The committee announced on Monday that it would hold an inquiry on July 10.

Tengco, who has reportedly agreed to attend the investigation, stated on Sunday that he would soon identify the official suspected of helping some illegal POGOs obtain gaming licenses. He noted that under PAGCOR’s revised guidelines, the number of POGO licenses has dropped from 298 to just 43.

The Philippine News Agency reports that Tengco has been invited to the Senate investigation to provide further context for his remarks.

“We are scheduling a follow-up hearing, and I hope the head of PAGCOR feels this is the appropriate venue for him to share his knowledge,” stated Senate Deputy Minority Leader and POGO opponent Risa Hontiveros. “No matter who the former cabinet official turns out to be, the fact stays the same: scam hubs are using POGOs as a legitimate cover.”

The Manila Standard reported that PAGCOR’s latest declaration raises the possibility that former public servants accepted funding to assist the POGO sector.

“That demonstrates that actual money exchanged hands, which explains how these POGOs are able to win over former officials,” Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said.

Additionally, on Monday, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President Catalino Alano Jr. disclosed that “several government officials” had contacted the regulator to advocate for the licensing of some POGOs.

“Those officials called and left hints for the Chairman himself,” Alano stated. “As you know, a significant amount of money is involved in this, so many people contacted the Chairman and PAGCOR to request licenses.”

Original Story by: IAG