MANILA — Former mayor Alice Guo appeared in a Senate executive session on Tuesday, discussing her involvement in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) scandal and declaring herself a victim rather than a mastermind of the operation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Guo’s testimony concluded Tuesday’s Senate panel inquiry into illegal POGO activities. Allowed to consult her lawyers by mobile phone before the session, Guo responded to Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito’s queries by asserting her lack of leadership in the operation. “Hindi po ako mastermind. Masasabi ko po na ako ay (I am not the mastermind. I can say I’m a) victim,” Guo stated, referring to her alleged role in the scandal.
The investigation, led by the committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, has extended over several months. Ejercito, in a press release, characterized Guo as a “pawn” manipulated by an international crime syndicate and urged her to reveal those primarily responsible to aid the victims of POGO-related crimes. Guo expressed her readiness to disclose significant figures involved in the syndicate. “I’m expecting that Ms. Alice Guo will divulge the real masterminds behind this operation,” said Ejercito, promising that the Senate would ensure her safety.
In related developments, Senator Hontiveros announced that the contempt citation against Guo’s sister, Shiela, had been lifted. “Sheila Guo, the contempt order on you is lifted, and I direct the OSAA (Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms) to transfer your custody to the Bureau of Immigration pursuant to the Mission Order issued by the Bureau against you,” Hontiveros declared.