Iloilo lawmaker blames Duterte admin for proliferation of Chinese criminals in PH

Iloilo First District Representative Janette Garin has blamed the Duterte administration for the proliferation of Chinese criminals and criminal syndicates in the Philippines.

In a press conference, Garin called on former president Rodrigo Duterte to explain why he allowed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.

POGOs, according to the House deputy majority leader, opened the doors to criminals from China.

“Alam na naman ng buong mundo na banned at mortal sin at talagang kinukulong at ‘yung iba nga eh talagang fina-firing squad sa China and mga involved sa POGO. So, why was this allowed in our country?”

In 2017, Duterte issued Executive Order No. 13 allowing POGOs to operate outside of ecozones, causing them to grow in number.

“Bakit ni-legitimized dito sa Pilipinas, parang binuksan…What happened in the previous administration ay buksan ‘yung bansang Pilipinas para papasukin ‘yung mga wanted naman at illegal sa China,” said Garin.

Currently, the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Public Accounts and Human Rights (quad committee) is investigating the alleged links between POGOs, the illegal drugs trade and the extrajudicial killings tied to the Duterte administration’s “bloody” drug war.IMT