Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 23) — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday criticized state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) for still allowing two POGO service providers to operate despite their involvement in a kidnap-for-ransom case.
“Do you think this is effective regulation? After 30 days wala kayong ginawa (you did nothing)? There is no sense of urgency within Pagcor in so far as dealing with crimes. That’s the problem,” Gatchalian said during a Senate hearing.
Even before the release of the report, Pagcor’s Atty. Jessa Mariz Fernandez, the new head of the offshore gaming and licensing department, said Pagcor slapped an initial ₱500,000 fine.
Fernandez also said Pagcor would coordinate with authorities.
However, Gatchalian said it was “unacceptable” for Pagcor to act only now, over 30 days after the case was revealed during Sen. Grace Poe’s privilege speech last December.
“None of the POGO operators, especially those involved in crimes, respects us kasi mabagal tayo at ‘yung punishment natin (because we’re slow and our punishment is just) ₱500,000,” he said.
“Sana you went to the police station, you did your own action. Why wait? The privilege speech was already a trigger to you,” he added.
Pagcor apologized and vowed to look into the criminal case, adding that registered POGOs involved in any criminal case will face deportation and have their licenses revoked.
