POGO probe canceled due to Kristine

MANILA, Philippines — The quad committee of the House of Representatives canceled its hearing scheduled yesterday, to allow congressmen to focus their efforts on providing relief and assistance to their respective districts in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

“Our primary focus right now is to assist our constituents who have been severely impacted by typhoon Kristine. Many of our fellow Filipinos are dealing with devastating loss and damage to their homes, livelihoods and communities,” lead panel chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.

Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed support for the quad comm’s decision, stressing the importance of allowing lawmakers to focus their efforts on helping their districts recover from devastation.

“We welcome the decision of the quad comm as announced by chairman Ace Barbers. Our attention now should be focused on how we can help and assist our fellowmen who, in this time of crisis like the record-high floodwaters, need our help,” Romualdez said.

The hearing was supposed to be a continuation of the inquiry on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. earlier manifested his support to the quad committee, especially because it is investigating reports of the “surge” or influx of Chinese nationals enrolled in various educational institutions in Cagayan.

“It is not that I am against Chinese students coming to the Philippines to study. Considering the tension in the West Philippine Sea and the ongoing investigation and the involvement of Chinese in illegal POGOs, I express my unqualified support to the investigations,” he said.

“This representation fully supports the proposed resolutions aimed at bringing clarity to these POGO-related issues in our country,” he said, adding “it is understandable for Filipinos to feel so concerned about their increased presence here, disguising or not, as students.”

Barbers emphasized the need for a whole-of-nation approach in responding to the crisis.

“This is not the time for division. We need a united response to ensure that those who are hardest hit receive immediate relief. The national government, LGUs, private sector and civic organizations must all come together in a coordinated effort to help our kababayans rebuild,” he said.

Barbers also conveyed his sympathy to the victims of Kristine. “Our hearts go out to every Filipino family affected by this disaster. We stand with you in this difficult time and rest assured that we will do everything in our capacity to assist in the recovery process.”

He urged fellow lawmakers to remain engaged with their local communities and be at the forefront of relief operations. “Our duty extends beyond legislation – we are here to serve, especially in times of crisis. Let us focus all our attention on providing immediate aid to those who need it the most,” he said.