Senate panel to hold 2nd inquiry on POGOs
THE Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality will likely hold another public hearing on illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Committee chairman Sen. Risa Hontiveros said this was due to the absence of several resource persons on Tuesday's 14th Senate hearing. Hontiveros ordered the lifting of the contempt charges against Shiela Guo, sister of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and instructed the Office of the Senate-Sergeant-at-Arms to transfer Shiela's custody to the Bureau of Immigration. Also present in the hearing were Cassandra Li Ong of Lucky South 99, Sual Mayor Dong Calugay and Tony Yang or Yang Jianxin, the older brother of former presidential economic advisor Michael Yang. Tony Yang was linked to POGO service provider OROONE Inc., where he is president. Hontiveros said Tony seems to be the architect behind Michael's illegal activities. During the hearing, Hontiveros showed photos of Michael Yang with alleged drug personality Weixiong Lin, several government officials and former president Duterte. Tony Yang denied being close to Duterte. Meanwhile, the Council of Chiefs, composed of former chiefs of the Philippine National Police (PNP), demanded that retired Armed Forces of the Philippines brigadier general Raul Villanueva, now a senior Philippine Gaming Corp. official, to identify the former PNP chief who allegedly helped Alice Guo escape the country. The ex-PNP chief was also allegedly on the monthly payroll of a POGO. "Although we are now retired, we continuously uphold our integrity to the highest standards and solemnly pledge to serve and protect our country and people. As a retired Brigadier General, schooled in the Philippine Military Academy's tradition of producing an 'Officer and a Gentleman,' it is incumbent upon him, in the interest of transparency, fairness, and justice, to identify this rogue former PNP chief and clear the names of those not involved," it said in a statement. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said on Monday that Villanueva admitted he had no concrete evidence to support his claim, noting it was purely hearsay.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality will likely hold another public hearing on illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Committee chairman Sen. Risa Hontiveros said this was due to the absence of several resource persons on Tuesday's 14th Senate hearing.
Hontiveros ordered the lifting of the contempt charges against Shiela Guo, sister of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and instructed the Office of the Senate-Sergeant-at-Arms to transfer Shiela's custody to the Bureau of Immigration.
Also present in the hearing were Cassandra Li Ong of Lucky South 99, Sual Mayor Dong Calugay and Tony Yang or Yang Jianxin, the older brother of former presidential economic advisor Michael Yang.
Tony Yang was linked to POGO service provider OROONE Inc., where he is president. Hontiveros said Tony seems to be the architect behind Michael's illegal activities.
During the hearing, Hontiveros showed photos of Michael Yang with alleged drug personality Weixiong Lin, several government officials and former president Duterte.
Tony Yang denied being close to Duterte.
Meanwhile, the Council of Chiefs, composed of former chiefs of the Philippine National Police (PNP), demanded that retired Armed Forces of the Philippines brigadier general Raul Villanueva, now a senior Philippine Gaming Corp. official, to identify the former PNP chief who allegedly helped Alice Guo escape the country. The ex-PNP chief was also allegedly on the monthly payroll of a POGO.
"Although we are now retired, we continuously uphold our integrity to the highest standards and solemnly pledge to serve and protect our country and people. As a retired Brigadier General, schooled in the Philippine Military Academy's tradition of producing an 'Officer and a Gentleman,' it is incumbent upon him, in the interest of transparency, fairness, and justice, to identify this rogue former PNP chief and clear the names of those not involved," it said in a statement.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said on Monday that Villanueva admitted he had no concrete evidence to support his claim, noting it was purely hearsay.
