Is Pork Barrel Scam Convict Dennis Cunanan Linked to POGOs?
RISA HONTIVEROS – The senator has unveiled documents linking former pork barrel scam convict Dennis Cunanan to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Cunanan, formerly deputy director general at the Technology and Resource Center (TRC), allegedly acted as an “authorized representative” for two Pogo companies: Hongsheng Gaming Technology in Bamban, Tarlac, and Lucky South 99 Limited Inc. in Porac, Pampanga. These revelations emerged as part of Hontiveros’ ongoing Senate investigation into criminal activities associated with POGOs.
According to the documents, Dennis Cunanan was designated as the representative for Lucky South 99 in correspondence with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) in October 2020. He was also identified as a representative for Hongsheng Gaming in a letter from its CEO to Pagcor in September 2020. Both firms have been raided: Lucky South 99 for alleged human trafficking in June 2022 and Hongsheng Gaming for a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme in February 2023.
Hontiveros expressed concern over Cunanan’s alleged shift from the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) scandal to involvement with POGOs, suggesting a pattern of misusing public funds. She highlighted the connection between POGOs in Bamban and Porac, suggesting collaboration among fraudulent entities.
To clarify Cunanan’s role, Hontiveros announced plans to invite him to the next Senate committee hearing, which she chairs, focusing on POGOs and their suspected criminal activities. She reiterated her belief that all POGOs operate with harmful intentions, exploiting vulnerable public officials for ongoing criminal activities in the Philippines.
In a call to action, Hontiveros urged fellow public servants to unite in advocating for a ban on POGOs, emphasizing the need to eliminate corruption and expel POGOs from the country. She stressed that POGOs capitalize on the Philippines’ susceptibility to corruption, ensuring their persistence through alleged bribery of officials.
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