Marcos wants answers from Guo over role in POGOs

President Marcos said he wants former Mayor Alice Guo to explain why the illegal activities surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in her province thrived during her tenure.

In an interview on Friday, Mr. Marcos questioned how such large-scale operations could exist without her knowledge, especially when they were located close to her office.

“What I want to hear from her is how these POGOs became such a large, basically criminal enterprise,” he said. “As mayor, it’s very difficult to believe she did not know what was going on.”

The Chief Executive also pointed to unanswered questions about Guo’s sudden wealth and her rise to power despite not being widely known in her community.

Mr. Marcos noted that both the House and Senate have raised these issues in their ongoing investigations, urging Guo to be more cooperative than her associates, who were evasive during the hearings.

Guo’s case has drawn international attention, with her return to the Philippines involving sensitive negotiations with Indonesia.

President Marcos emphasized the complexity of securing her transfer, but credited the strong diplomatic relationship with Indonesia for facilitating her return.

Mr. Marcos also underscored that no prisoner swap or deal was made during Guo’s arrest, citing that there’s no official demand from Indonesia.

“There was no prisoner swap, no demand. It wasn’t simple at all,” Mr. Marcos said, addressing the rumors.

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