Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City (File photo)
MANILA – Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) senior vice president Raul Villanueva admitted that his claim that a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) accepted bribes from illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is purely gossip, a ranking official said Monday.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said the admission transpired after he talked to Villanueva, upon orders of the PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil to investigate the claims made during a recent Senate hearing.
"Ang sinasabi lang naman niya ay wala siyang tinukoy at ito naman ay tsismisan lang among the intelligence community pero sabi ko sa kanya, 'Sir, nabahala ang mga ex-Chief PNP natin at ito ay naging malaking concern at issue sa PNP ‘yung statement na ‘yun (What he said was he was not referring to anybody and these are just rumors among the intelligence community. But I told him, 'Sir, the ex-chiefs of the PNP were concerned and this statement became a big concern and issue within the PNP)," Francisco said in a phone interview.
Francisco said the CIDG will no longer pursue its investigation into Villanueva's claim.
He said he has no idea why Villanueva made such claims.
"He said it was all gossip. That is where our conversation ended. Now, he said he is willing to answer questions from the media if asked," Francisco added.
Francisco said he will seek Marbil's guidance if they will pursue a case against Villanueva.
Marbil earlier said Villanueva’s allegation is "damaging" to the entire police organization.
The Council of Chiefs, a group of former top cops, earlier dared Villanueva to name the retired PNP chief allegedly linked to POGOs.
The group also demanded a public apology from Villanueva if he could not prove his allegation. (PNA)
