Alice Guo reveals POGO 'personalities'

REVELATIONS made by dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo during Wednesday's executive session supported Sen. Risa Hontiveros' panel theory about those behind the illegal activities of the country's Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). "I am not fully satisfied with the revelations in the executive session, although Guo Hua Ping (Alice Guo) confirmed one crucial personality. This corroborates a theory that the committee shared a month ago," said Hontiveros without providing further details. "Since photos of a former chief PNP and other police personalities with POGO personalities were shown during Tuesday's hearing, we are calling for a response from them. This is important to move the proceedings forward and ensure fairness," said the chairman of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality. Before holding the executive session, Sen. JV Ejercito asked Guo, "Are you guilty or most guilty, or do you think there are others who are more guilty?" "I am not guilty," Guo maintained. "During the investigation, the committee already knows, especially chaired by our madam chair, who is [the person behind] everything." Ejercito reminded Guo that "she still has a chance to say. We also feel sorry for the victims of POGOs. In the executive session, we can't release it to the public; we understand that you are afraid. We understand. Are you willing to say who is the guiltiest to reduce your guilt?" Guo replied, "Yes, your honor." Guo maintained that she is not the "mastermind" in the POGO operations in Bamban, Tarlac, as she described herself as "just a victim." Hontiveros rejected Guo's request for an executive session earlier but welcomed the dismissed mayor's answers. "I think it's the first time I've heard Guo Hua Ping say that we have something to target in the whole story, who is the highest behind these POGOs in the Philippines, and the other thing we want to know is who among the government personnel or officials helped to escape even for monetary considerations," Hontiveros said in a mix of Filipino and English. According to the senator, the closed-door session only lasted for a few minutes due to the 3 p.m. session in the Senate. This will continue next week, and Guo promised to "recall everything."