The article exposes alleged POGO defiance of the operating ban in the Philippines, highlighting their operation under the protection of a police colonel. It also delves into the controversial PEMC-IEMOP deal, raising questions about IEMOP's role, governance, and potential corruption within the energy sector.
Last week, citing sources, I reported on certain Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) allegedly defying President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s order to cease operations. Another source, having read my column, provided additional information. They claimed that POGOs are allegedly operating out of the ECom Center Building in Pasay City, close to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. office on Macapagal Avenue, also in Pasay City.
These POGOs, reportedly seeking refuge under the guise of another POGO that boasts police colonel protection, have essentially transformed that area of the city into a virtual Chinatown. It appears these POGOs are persevering because they are banking on promises made by unknown entities. According to Pagcor chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, certain individuals are enticing potential investors to pay exorbitant sums for supposedly limited slots in POGO licenses. These individuals claim that POGOs will operate directly under Pagcor, which Tengco vehemently denies.These scammers, Tengco asserts, are demanding up to P50 million from prospective investors, allegedly for attorney's fees, consultation, and assessment to secure a POGO slot. Pagcor should investigate these POGOs operating just blocks away from their office, as they may have already been lured by these scammers. My source alleges that they have been coerced into paying P20 million each to ensure their offices won't be raided. This is in addition to the P50 million Tengco claims is being requested for the limited POGO slots.*On January 23, 2025, the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises held a crucial hearing to address the escalating electricity bills in the Philippines. The session, labeled 'in aid of legislation,' unveiled a charged atmosphere with key players in the energy sector, particularly the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the system operator, trading accusations. The notable absence of inquiries into the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) raised significant concerns about its role and operations, especially given the context of rising consumer costs. Among the attendees was IEMOP president Richard Nethercott, whose presence sparked questions about the lack of scrutiny directed at IEMOP. Observers noted a stark contrast between NGCP's substantial investments in infrastructure and the relatively opaque processes that allowed IEMOP to accumulate substantial fees from consumers. This oversight echoes longstanding concerns about the accountability of key stakeholders within the energy sector.Adding to the drama of the hearing was the performance of former Transco head Melvin Matibag, whose grandstanding prompted one lawmaker to question his demeanor, reflecting a broader frustration with the proceedings. The hearing served as a reminder of the serious allegations made by then-congressman Koko 'Boy Banat' Nograles, who compared the recent PEMC-IEMOP deal to the infamous PEA-Amari land scandal, which the late Senator Ernesto Maceda famously dubbed the 'grandmother of all scams.' Nograles' assertions highlighted the potential for corruption within the energy sector, drawing parallels between past and present malfeasance. In a startling revelation, Nograles detailed how the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC), a government entity, entered into an agreement with IEMOP to designate it as the independent marketing operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Alarmingly, this deal was struck with IEMOP operating on a mere P7,000 in paid-up capital and lacking any significant experience in the power industry, raising profound governance and accountability concerns. The implications of this deal are far-reaching. Nograles argued that the transition of PEMC from a government agency to a privatized entity — effectively transferring its assets to IEMOP — occurred without the necessary approval from President Rodrigo Duterte, which could potentially render the agreement void ab initio.Compounding this issue were familial connections revealed during the hearing, notably Nethercott's marriage to an assistant secretary in the Department of Energy, Caron Aicitel Lascano. Such revelations led Nograles to suspect multiple violations of the anti-graft law. Nograles enumerated at least eight potential violations, emphasizing corrupt practices that undermine public integrity while favoring private enterprises. Among these infractions are the acceptance of employment by family members of public officials in businesses with pending transactions and actions causing undue injury to the government or providing unwarranted benefits to private entities
Politics Business Pogos Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators Corruption Energy Sector IEMOP PEMC Government Transparency Philippine Politics
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