(Eagle News)–Senator Leila de Lima has urged the government to heed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s warning about the proximity of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators to military facilities, warning of the possible start of a “creeping Chinese invasion.”
“It’s better to err on the side of caution. It’s even beyond caution, a cause for serious concern,” De Lima said.
According to De Lima, “we cannot set aside the possibility that these POGO hubs could be used for illegal activities that could compromise the safety and sovereignty of our country.”
She was referring to Lorenzana’s apprehension the Chinese workers in POGOs would shift to spying.
“I think there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye,” De Lima said.
Lorenzana’s comment prompted Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua to react.
“What if we also think that your overseas workers are also spying on us. What can you say about that?” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo quoted Zhao as texting him.
Bur Lorenzana did not back down, saying Zhao’s statement was “the most preposterous statement (he) heard in a long while.”
According to Lorenzana, in the first place, POGO workers here were “not comparable” to OFWs in China.
“POGO workers came over for a different purpose, e.g., likely just tourism, but eventually got visas to work in an activity at the POGO centers operating gambling operations which is prohibited in China,” he said.
OFWs on the other hand, he said, “go to China for specific work that’s legitimate there with Chinese visas.”
“They are more like Chinese nationals working in construction projects here in the Philippines, as mutually agreed upon by both countries,” he added.