The Senate women and children’s panel on Tuesday, September 24, convened for an executive session after dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo promised to reveal “the most guilty” behind the crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
This was after Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito asked Guo if she was the “mastermind,” and the latter denied it.
“Hindi po ako mastermind. Masasabi ko po na ako ay victim (I’m not a mastermind. In can say that I am a victim),” Ejercito said.
Following Guo’s statement, Ejercito moved for an executive session to allow a more confidential discussion on the “international crime syndicate” involved in POGO-related activities in the Philippines.
Ejercito said he believes Guo is just a “pawn” being exploited by this group. He appealed to the former mayor to reveal the culprits for the sake of the victims.
“Baka sa executive session, may pagkakataon pa kayong sabihin kung sino man ang talagang nasa likuran. Kasi nga kung sabi mo nga ikaw ay biktima, maawa rin tayo sa mga naging biktima ng POGO, di ba? (If we go into executive session, we have a chance to say who is really the mastermind. Since you claim that you are a victim, you would sympathize with the POGO victims, right)?” he said.
To which Guo responded: “I think sa tagal po ng investigation, alam na rin po ng committee, especially chaired by our Madam Chair (Sen. Risa Hontiveros), who is really at the back of everything.”
Guo said she is willing to disclose the key figures behind the POGO-related crimes during the executive session.
“I expect that Ms. Alice Guo will divulge the real masterminds behind this operation. We will be responsible for your safety,” Ejercito assured Guo.