Malacañang reiterated that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is not letting anyone off the hook – including Chinese nationals – when it comes to crime and corruption.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the Chief Executive is always fair when it comes to the rule of law, following the worsening issue on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
“Tingnan mo (look), pino-prosecute nga eh, we’re prosecuting all those committing illegal acts, whether Chinese, Americans, foreigners. Wala ngang sinasanto si Presidente (the President is not considering anyone a saint),” he pointed out.
“Nobody is enjoying any blanket protection from this government, no sacred cows,” he added.
The Palace is aware that some quarters are pushing for the declaration of POGOs as illegal. The government is waiting for the recommendations of lawmakers pending the Senate investigation.
“The legislators are tasked to legislate laws that (are) good for the country. If they feel that it’s against the welfare of this country, then we will evaluate if it’s true or not. But we will wait for them,” Panelo said.
Regarding the matter of money laundering being linked to the POGO, the Administration is leaving it up to the Department of Finance.
DOF ASec. Tony Lambino explained that the Finance Department is bent on tracing where the money goes and where it is being used. The agency proposed the lifting of the absolute bank secrecy in the Philippines in case of tax fraud or other nefarious activites especially when there is strong suspicion. This will allow access to questionable bank accounts. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
