00:00 Today is the anniversary of Independence Day. A congressman called the Philippines to be free from the Pogo.
00:08 The camera is leading the way. The hearings will be held tomorrow to get all the facts up to the issue.
00:15 Mela Lezmoras in the center of Balita Live.
00:21 Audrey Bukasi House Speaker Martin Romualdez heard all the facts about the Pogo issue. He said earlier that it is the celebration of Independence Day here in Baraswain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
00:37 We, as Filipinos, in this new era, have a duty to continue the fight for freedom. Not only against the oppressors, but also against poverty, trust, and lack of responsibility.
00:58 This is the message of House Speaker Martin Romualdez of his leadership, the celebration of Independence Day here in Baraswain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
01:08 This place is a historical place because this is where the first Republic of the Philippines was established.
01:14 This is where the Congress was established and this is where the Constitution of Malolos was written and passed in our freedom.
01:23 Aside from Romualdez, several Congressmen and officials from the local government also joined the celebration.
01:31 This day of freedom is a symbol of our unity and freedom. This is also the time to remember the sacrifices and efforts of our countrymen who fought for the freedom we are now fighting for.
01:54 In a media interview, Speaker Romualdez shared that he is planning to visit Senate President Francis Escudero tomorrow to discuss the direction of the Congress,
02:06 especially since the State of the Nation address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is coming up.
02:11 Of course, the priority legislative agenda and the House of Representatives is already done.
02:21 We have already passed all the priority legislation of our beloved President, especially the SONAM measures and the DAC.
02:27 But of course, there is a new leadership now and there might be new priorities that we will recommend. So we will listen to that.
02:37 Speaking of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO, some Congressmen are already banning it due to the controversies that are being raised here, said the House leader.
02:49 We are opening to hearing all issues concerning POGO.
02:54 You know, there is a process and it will be brought to a hearing. So we will listen to all stakeholders and their positions here.
03:07 We will weigh what we should do.
03:10 In an interview, the first person to be called by the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chair Robert S. Barbers was released today.
03:19 He said that he hopes that the country will be free from POGO and that the operation will be stopped.
03:24 Other lawmakers also said that the country should be free.
03:31 We are thankful that our people ought to recognize the independence of the country.
03:38 But the question is, are we truly independent? That's the question.
03:43 Are we truly independent? I mean, I hope and pray that truly our country will really be recognized as a sovereign country and independent.
03:53 We Filipinos should study our history and fight for our true freedom.
04:05 Audrey, we are waiting for the activities of House Speaker Martin Romualdez today.
04:11 We hope that he will be with us for the activities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
04:15 And tomorrow, we will wait for the discussions of Senate President Francis Escudero.
04:21 Aside from the legislative agenda of the government, if they will discuss the important issue today. Audrey?
04:28 Okay, in the call of the House Speaker that the Philippines should be free from POGO,
04:34 does this mean that the Congress is not content with the investigation and closing of illegal POGO?
04:42 If not, the POGO should be completely removed from our country.
04:50 Audrey, actually to be specific, Congressman Robert Ace Barbers is the one who is calling for the end of the POGO operation in the country.
04:59 Now, there are no other judges. There are many in the House who are calling for the ban of POGO.
05:06 But in the call of Speaker Romualdez, he really assured that there will be a due process and they will listen to all the calls.
05:13 Because what Audrey is saying, yesterday in a statement of Congressman Joey Salceda,
05:19 what he is saying is that POGOs have a benefit to our economy, but Audrey, the legal POGOs.
05:27 Because Audrey, we have to take note, these are the ones who are being arrested, there are crimes and other violations.
05:32 These are the illegal POGOs that are not regulated by the government. So there are legal and illegal.
05:39 So what Congressman Joey Salceda is saying is that the legal POGOs have a benefit to the economy.
05:45 So because the opinion of the congressmen about the POGO issue is different,
05:50 Speaker Romualdez really wants to hear all the sides here so that they can come up with the best recommendation
05:58 or how they think they will really help on this issue, Audrey.
06:03 Okay. Thank you very much, Bella Lesmora.
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