House cites POGO hub secretary in contempt

Metro Manila, Philippines – House lawmakers cited in contempt the corporate secretary of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga for refusing to respond to questions during an inquiry on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Ronelyn Baterna of Lucky South 99, which authorities raided in June over human trafficking complaints, will be detained in the newly inaugurated custodial center at the Batasang Pambansa for 30 days.

The investigation was about illegal activities and crimes linked to POGOs.

Members of the joint committees of public order and safety and games and amusements were irked at Baterna for inconsistent responses to questions such as on the hiring of a law firm after the POGO was raided.

The corporate secretary also gave indirect answers about the corporation’s registration and lawyer’s fees.

Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Augustina Pancho said Baterna was making a fool of the lawmakers.

Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano moved to cite Baterna in contempt.

“Refusal to answer questions from the members of this committee. In short, she is lying,” Paduano said.

Baterna appealed the contempt order.

“Baka pwede pong humingi ng consideration kasi lahat naman po ng sinabi ko is totoo po. Nung mga una po, may medyo mali lang po pero sinabi ko rin naman po ‘yung totoo,” she said.

[Translation: May I ask for a consideration? Because everything I said is true. In the earlier part, I have said false remarks but I eventually told the truth.]

Paduano, however, advised Baterna to file a motion for reconsideration.

“Hindi kami masaya. Akala n’yo masaya kami sa ginagawa namin. Nahihirapan po kami. Trabaho namin ‘to, and we have to do our job. Hindi kayo nakiki-cooperate. Please, tulungan po natin ang ating bansa,” said Lone District of Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, the panel chairperson.

[Translation: We are not happy. You think we are happy with what we are doing. This is difficult. This is our job, and we have to do our job. You are not cooperating. Please, let us help our country.]

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has been dragged into the controversy as he supposedly assisted Lucky South 99 in obtaining a license. He has repeatedly said he is not lawyering for the POGO.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.