CAGAYAN de Oro City Hall rushed to squash rumors after a photo of Mayor Rolando Uy with Tony Yang, an alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo), began circulating on social media, fueling speculation of a shady connection.
City Hall Spokesman John Boy Actub dismissed the claims, explaining the photo was taken during a Chinese New Year celebration earlier this year.
Actub said that Uy and Yang were not personally acquainted and happened to be in the same frame during a public event at the Bell Church.
“Pagsugat lang to sa Chinese New Year (this year) simple acquaintance lang to nagkaabot sa Bell Church sa usa ka Chinese church diri sa atong dakbayan,” Actub said, urging the public to be cautious about spreading misleading information online.
Actub also noted that, as a public figure, Mayor Uy frequently poses for photos with various people, saying, “Being a local chief executive, normal kaayo nga daghan magpapicture.”
Actub, who was present at the event, confirmed that the two men never spoke to each other and were merely caught in the same scene.
“Actually wala to sila nagka storya. Na timing lang nga nadungan sila gi offer tong naay picture nga nagkaon ug Chinese food, nga mao to’y ritual every Chinese New Year,” he added.
Mayor Uy is reportedly unfazed by the controversy, fully aware that being a public figure means he can be photographed with different personalities, including those he doesn’t know.
When asked about the city’s potential involvement in any investigation regarding Pogo operations, especially in Alwana, Cugman, which falls under the city’s jurisdiction, Actub said they are open to cooperation.
“We’re willing to cooperate for the sake of transparency,” he said.
City officials are still investigating whether Yang has any registered businesses in Cagayan de Oro, though he is known to have large companies in the province.
“Sa province nahisgutan to nga naa syay dagko nga kompanya pero diri sa syudad wala pa nato ma check as of karon,” said Actub.
