DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, on Monday, August 12, urged House officials who are considering merging investigations on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) crimes, illegal drugs, and his war on drugs to present evidence of their allegations.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. delivered a privilege speech on Monday, followed by Representatives Joel Chua and Patrick Michael Vargas, on a resolution that suggests combining the ongoing investigations by the committees on drugs, public order and safety, and human rights.

“If you have proof, then present it. Do not make a general statement. You present proof so I can bring these matters to the Justice department or the prosecutor…,” Duterte said in a pre-recorded “Basta Dabawenyo” podcast of Mayor Baste Duterte here posted on his YouTube channel.

The former Chief Executive, who also acknowledged Batangas Rep. Geville Luistro’s statement about him on Executive Order No. 13 which introduced the term online gaming, challenged the congresswoman to focus on POGO and include other gambling games spreading across the Philippines.

“How about ‘jueteng’? What about the other numbers game spreading across the country? What do you have to say about that? Why are you focusing only on POGO? If you want to be morally upright, address all forms of gambling, not just one,” Duterte said.

Duterte defined and described POGO and other number games, even the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, as gambling. He added that all kinds of gambling are prevalent in the country.

He said that a president of the country who sees the proliferation of these activities has a choice to either allow them to continue openly in a disorderly manner or let the POGO operator corrupt the government, police, mayors, congressmen, and governors.

“These numbers games had been there. What the government should do is regulate it. If you become president, you’ll understand this better. Say, “Okay, I will allow this because I can no longer control it. Get a license, pay the fees, take a share of the income for the country,” he said.

Duterte said that by legalizing illegal numbers games, the country could generate revenue that can be used to help the poor, fund hospitals, and provide medicine and food, which are the primary concerns of the government.

“Congresswoman, what are you doing? You’re paid by the government. Do your job. Do not just complain about the problems. This is not a perfect country. Gambling is inherently wrong. It may be legal, but still wrong,” he said.

Duterte said the government profits from these gaming companies. “Thus, it must be regulated to prevent its spread across the country and ensure it does not negatively impact the entire community, especially the young ones.”

Luistro criticized EO No. 13 for “enabling online gambling to life” and questioned why it should override the law established by Congress that created the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

Pagcor, a government-owned and -controlled entity responsible for overseeing gaming operations in the country, was founded in 1977 under Presidential Decree No. 1869 by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Its charter was revised in 2007 by Republic Act No. 9487.

Duterte’s order was issued to “enhance the efforts against illegal gambling and to clarify the roles and authority of relevant agencies in regulating and licensing gambling and online gaming operations.”