MANILA — The accusation against former President Rodrigo Duterte in relation to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) should be made clear, according to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

“I-klaro natin kung ano ‘yung accusation, and let's make sure kumpleto ‘yung facts. So, kasi hindi mo naman kailangan ng trial by publicity kung klaro ‘yung facts,” Cayetano said in a press conference on Thursday.

(Let us clarify what the accusation is and make sure the facts are complete. You don’t need a trial by publicity so long as the facts are clear.)

Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality said during the last two hearings that they will look into the possible connection of Duterte with POGOs since his former economic adviser Michael Yang might be linked to these.

Cayetano reiterated his opposition to POGOs.

“Ako yung siguro pinaka-outspoken sa Gabinete (I was the most outspoken in the Cabinet) and even when I was Speaker, against all forms of gambling, especially online, e-sabong, and POGO. That's why to this day, from the start, the city of Taguig did not allow any POGO,” he remarked.

“Of course, ang argument ng PAGCOR ‘yung revenues. But hindi natin kune-kuwenta, magkano ba ginagastos natin sa peace and order? Magkano ba yung nawawala sa scams, sa panloloko? Ano ba ‘yung tinatanim natin sa next generation, diba? So wala pa akong country na nakita, lalo sa mga online gaming, diba, na talagang umunlad dahil diyan,” Cayetano said.

(Of course the argument of PAGCOR is the revenue. But we do not compute the expenses for peace and order. How much is lost to scams? What are we imparting on the next generation? I have not yet seen a country that has progressed because of online gaming.)