PCOO probes ASec Mocha's casino shows despite gov't ban

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:52 p.m.)  — The Presidential Communications Operations Office said it will look into the reports that Assistant Secretary Esther Margaux "Mocha" Uson performs in casinos despite a prohibition on government employees being seen in them.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a text message to reporters that his office "is looking into the matter."

Andanar, to whom Uson nominally reports, was responding to videos and reports on Uson's shows with the Mocha Girls, a girl group that she headed even before joining government.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Andanar said that the assistant secretary had asked for permission to honor her entertainment contracts despite being in government service.

"Anyhow, we are still looking into the matter of Mocha performing inside Resorts World," Andanar said.

"Mocha can still perform if she wishes but I'd discourage her from performing in places like casinos," he also said.

An Office of the President memo released in 2016 requires him, as unit head, to "remind and reiterate to the  officials and employees under them the above-stated laws, issuances and policies, and impose the appropriate sanctions and penalties in case of violation  thereof."

In one of its listed events, which has since been deleted, casino and hotel complex Resorts World Manila indicated that Uson’s group, “Mocha Girls,” is slated to perform at the establishment’s Bar 360 again on Tuesday, September 12.

The description also mentioned that Mocha's group performs in the gaming area of the bar "every Tuesday."

This, despite an order from the  Office of the President barring government employees from even entering casinos except on official business.

LOOK: Resorts World website shows details of weekly performances of Uson's group Mocha Girls. @PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/gQjqV8qYHB

— janvic mateo (@janvicmateo) September 6, 2017

The Office of the President issued Memorandum Circular 6 in September 2016, “enjoining all government officials and employees to strictly observe and comply with the prohibition against going to gambling casinos.”

The memorandum was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who routinely signs for the president.

“In view of its negative effect on the public perception of government service as a whole, the mere entry or presence of government officials and employees in a gambling casino shall be considered as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, unless the same was in the performance of official duties and functions,” the memorandum reads.

The memorandum added that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) management shall ensure strict observance of the government ruling.

'Policy should be complied with'

Talking to reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reiterated that the OP order shall be complied with. He also said  there is a need for a “proper investigation” on the matter for it to be settled.

"Policy needs to be complied with but, in this matter, it needs to be properly vetted," Abella said.

Aside from Resorts World Manila, Uson’s group also performs at Cowboy Grill, a chain of bars.

Uson, who has been named to head the PCOO's Social Media Office, was also previously a Movie and Television Review and Classification board member.

The blogger recently made it to the headlines after netizens called for her removal from office for demanding opposition leaders to visit the wake of a cop who, as it turned out, died a year ago in a Facebook post. Before that gaffe, she also showed a lack of familiarity with the legislative and budgeting process.

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