Alleged POGO Boss Admits P1 Million Offer to PAOCC But Denies Bribery Attempt

September 26, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Zhao Shouqi, one of the heads of an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub based in Cebu, testified that his offer of P1 million to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) was not an attempt to bribe officials.

Zhao explained that the funds were meant to secure arrangements for his elderly wife and granddaughter after a raid on their operation in Lapu-Lapu City on August 31.

During the September 24, 2024 Senate hearing, Zhao faced questions from Senator Risa Hontiveros, who highlighted reports of bribery attempts linked to the POGO raid.

According to a report published by Rappler, Senator Hontiveros asked Zhao to confirm reports that they tried to bribe personnel from PAOCC. She pointed out that Zhao’s 17-year-old granddaughter, who acted as the interpreter, was caught on camera asking law enforcers, “Can we fix this?”

Zhao insisted that the money was merely for “safekeeping” and not a bribe. Zhao insisted through an interpreter, “This amount is not a bribe.” He clarified that his elderly wife, who is in poor health, and his young granddaughter were present at the hotel during the August 31 raid, and he sought a “separate arrangement” for their safety. He also admitted that the P1 million originated from his son, Zhao Long, who is recognized as one of the main operators of the Lucky South 99 POGO hub located in Porac, Pampanga.

The Chinese national claims to have been unaware of the illegal activities at the Tourist Garden Hotel. He said through an interpreter: “I am actually not aware that they are doing this POGO business…. On July 20, I was actually sick and never got down of my place or my bedroom and I was just surprised that on July 31, that they were looking for me and I was just wearing my sleeping wear.”

However, Hontiveros contended that offering money to officials under such circumstances constituted bribery.

Zhao has been linked to various charitable donations through his organization, the Lapu-Lapu City Philippines Tourism Ethnic Chinese Guild. This organization has been supporting local initiatives by donating computers, solar panels, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to Lapu-Lapu City since 2019.