TWO former Cagayan de Oro City councilors, Eric Salcedo and Reuben Daba, acknowledged yesterday (September 24) that they did not oppose the establishment of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in 2017, citing the potential benefits for the city at the time.
The councilors referred to Resolution 1260-2017, which approved the operation of Oroone Inc. as a service provider for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) in Alwana Business Park.
The resolution, authored by current Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, was adopted on April 3, 2017, and supported by 10 councilors, including Daba and Salcedo.
“During that time nga gi approve na namo in good (faith) sa Cagayan de Oro, dili man sya illegal, legal man sya kay nakita nato ang advantage,” said Daba citing its remittances to Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Daba emphasized that the Pogo operations were legal when the resolution was passed and were expected to provide economic benefits to Cagayan de Oro.
“It was seen as an opportunity for the city's growth,” Daba said, adding that illegal activities later linked to Pogos, such as human trafficking and prostitution, were not anticipated.
Salcedo echoed Daba’s statements, noting that Pogo operations only became controversial due to the rise in criminal activities associated with the industry.
“Ang Pogo itself is legal. Ang problema lang sa Pogo tungod kay naay mga krimen gakahitabo like kidnapping and human trafficking,” Salcedo said on the alleged illegal activities of Pogo as a whole.
He mentioned that he later pushed for an investigation into Pogo operations in Alwana during the Covid-19 pandemic after receiving reports of illegal aliens in the area.
Both former councilors clarified that their support for the Pogo operations in 2017 was based on the legal framework and perceived benefits at that time.
