Malacañang has denied the statement of Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon that the Duterte Administration is being lenient on issues involving China and the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo pointed out that the Chief Executive has always been firm against crime and corruption regardless of nationality.
“I disagree. Then he does not know this President. The President is never soft on anything that relates to the national interest. He’s a very decisive President. Any malpractice, any corruption, any irregularity relative to any activity or project in this government are always being investigated. And after the findings, the President will act, as always, decisively,” Panelo said.
Panelo also issued a statement on Sen. Ping Lacson’s report that thousands of members of China’s People’s Liberation Army are in the country for an immersion mission.
“We have to validate that first. We cannot be making statements relative to anything that is based on speculation and unverified report. We do not want to be irresponsible in issuing a statement,” he cautioned.
“All we can say is we in the government is always concerned when any issue affecting the national interest and national security,” he added.
Panelo also advised the President should not be rushed on deciding whether or not the POGO should be suspended, pending a comprehensive report to back it up.
“You must remember that the POGO is giving us – from what I gather from Chairman Fred Lim – 17 billion pesos in the last three years. If there is anything wrong with the system on POGO then we have to review it, evaluate it and then streamline it, improve it,” he said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
