ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (PPAB)

Saying that transparency is paramount, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro is prodding Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chairman Alejandro Tengco to name the former Cabinet official who allegedly lobbied for the approval of illegal and recently raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). 

"The Pagcor president should immediately expose the name of the ex-Cabinet official who supposedly lobbied to approve the illegal and raided POGOs. Transparency is crucial in addressing this issue that has far-reaching implications on our society," Castro, a Makabayan bloc member, said on Tuesday, July 2. 

The militant lawmaker gave these remarks amid an avalanche of anti-POGO sentiments both in and out of Congress. 

"POGOs have brought with them a swarm of crimes as testified by countless police raids - rape, murder, illegal recruitment, human trafficking, prostitution, illegal detention, inhumane labor practices, money laundering, and immigration bribery, among many others," Castro noted. 

"Their supposed economic benefits have also been negligible compared to the social costs they have inflicted on our people and communities. It is high time we put a stop to this social menace," she said. 

While acknowledging that the House can launch an inquiry into the matter, Castro emphasized that expediting the hearings for House Bill (HB) No.10525 or the Anti-POGO Act would be a more effective course of action. 

The proposed legislation aims to prohibit and criminalize POGO operations in the country.