June 28, 2024 - Senator Lito Lapid has issued a defiant challenge to critics accusing him of involvement in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub located in Porac, Pampanga. Denouncing these allegations as baseless, Lapid dared his detractors to substantiate their claims, emphasizing that such accusations not only besmirched his reputation but also tarnished the name of Porac.
During an ongoing hearing by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, focused on POGO-related offenses, held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Lapid reiterated his innocence and extended his full cooperation to uncover the truth behind the operations of the POGO hub in his hometown.
In his statement, Lapid urged Porac Mayor Jaime Capil to collaborate with the Senate investigation to clear the municipality’s name from the controversy. Expressing his aspirations for Porac to attain city status within the next five years, Lapid underscored his personal stake in proving his non-involvement in the POGO operations. He adamantly stated, “I do not own the ten-hectare land where that POGO is located. If they can prove my involvement, I am willing to resign as senator.”
Responding to Senator Lapid’s call for cooperation, Mayor Capil affirmed that neither he nor Lapid had any ownership of the land leased by Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, Inc., the company operating the contentious POGO hub. Capil’s assertion supports Lapid’s stance and aligns with efforts to absolve Porac from any unwarranted association with the POGO controversy.
As the Senate inquiry continues to unfold, Senator Lapid remains steadfast in his commitment to clearing his name and preserving the integrity of Porac, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the face of these allegations.