POGO Probe Halted as Lawmakers Shift Focus to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine Relief Efforts
POGO – The lawmakers postponed the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) investigation to focus on severe tropical storm Kristine relief efforts.
The House of Representatives’ quad committee canceled its scheduled hearing yesterday to allow congressmen to concentrate on providing relief and support to their districts following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
“Our primary focus right now is to assist our constituents who have been severely impacted by typhoon Kristine. Many of our fellow Filipinos are dealing with devastating loss and damage to their homes, livelihoods and communities,” said lead panel chairman, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
Based on a report from Philstar, speaker Martin Romualdez backed the committee’s decision, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to focus their efforts on aiding their districts in the wake of the disaster.
“We welcome the decision of the quad comm as announced by chairman Ace Barbers. Our attention now should be focused on how we can help and assist our fellowmen who, in this time of crisis like the record-high floodwaters, need our help,” Romualdez stated.
The canceled hearing was intended to continue the inquiry into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. had previously voiced his support for the quad committee, particularly regarding its investigation into the reported influx of Chinese nationals enrolling in educational institutions in Cagayan.
“It is not that I am against Chinese students coming to the Philippines to study. Considering the tension in the West Philippine Sea and the ongoing investigation and the involvement of Chinese in illegal POGOs, I express my unqualified support to the investigations,” Pleyto said.
“This representation fully supports the proposed resolutions aimed at bringing clarity to these POGO-related issues in our country,” he said, adding “it is understandable for Filipinos to feel so concerned about their increased presence here, disguising or not, as students.”
According to the report, Barbers stressed the importance of a unified national response to the storm’s aftermath.
“This is not the time for division. We need a united response to ensure that those who are hardest hit receive immediate relief. The national government, LGUs, private sector and civic organizations must all come together in a coordinated effort to help our kababayans rebuild,” Barbers said.
He also expressed his sympathy for the victims of Typhoon Kristine. “Our hearts go out to every Filipino family affected by this disaster. We stand with you in this difficult time and rest assured that we will do everything in our capacity to assist in the recovery process.”
Barbers encouraged his fellow lawmakers to stay engaged with their local communities and take an active role in relief efforts. “Our duty extends beyond legislation – we are here to serve, especially in times of crisis. Let us focus all our attention on providing immediate aid to those who need it the most,” he said.