Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, has reportedly revealed a key figure tied to the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) during a Senate executive session.   

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who heads the Senate panel on women, disclosed that Guo confirmed the involvement of a “crucial personality.” This revelation aligns with a theory the Senate committee shared a month ago. However, no further details about the individual’s identity were released.  

The Senate’s closed-door session followed Guo’s promise to expose those responsible for the illicit activities associated with POGOs. While Hontiveros acknowledged Guo’s contribution, she expressed dissatisfaction with the overall progress of the investigation, indicating that more information is still needed.  

Police involvement and the need for fairness  

The session also touched upon the involvement of law enforcement officials in the ongoing POGO investigation. Photographs of former police chief Benjamin Acorda and other officers alongside POGO-related individuals were presented during a previous session, prompting calls for clarity and responses from those implicated.  

Hontiveros highlighted the importance of providing a fair platform for everyone linked to the investigation. The Senate aims to uncover the full scope of involvement, including possible government and police connections to illegal POGO activities. Further sessions are anticipated to address these issues and seek more substantial revelations.  

Guo’s role in the operations: Victim or accomplice?  

Guo’s role in the POGO operations has raised questions. Although she maintains her innocence, portraying herself as a victim rather than a mastermind, some senators remain sceptical. Senator JV Ejercito suggested that Guo may be a front for a larger, international crime syndicate. He noted that while Guo could be an agent or pawn, more details are needed to confirm her full involvement.  

Ejercito also hinted at the possibility of Guo becoming a state witness, provided she reveals the identities of those truly orchestrating the operations. If she chooses to cooperate, Guo could provide crucial insights into the workings of the POGO syndicate and its connections within the country.  

Next steps in the investigation  

The closed-door session with Guo, although brief, set the stage for further discussions. Guo is expected to continue her testimony in the coming week, when she promises to recall additional information. The Senate hopes this will shed more light on the criminal syndicates behind POGOs and reveal the extent of the corruption and involvement of public officials. With the investigation ongoing, the coming sessions could uncover the full scale of the POGO operations in the Philippines.