Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. will be invited to the next Senate committee hearing investigating illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.
"I had a hope that this would be the last hearing but there are revalations that warrant further investigations and individuals whose side needs to be heard," Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality Chair Risa Hontiveros said during the committee hearing on Tuesday.
"In the interest of fairness, Gen. Acorda will be invited to the next hearing," she added.
The Senate panel's decision followed the revelation that Acorda was photographed with alleged POGO players, including Tony Yang, brother of Michael Yang, and Dong Calugay, the mayor of Sual, Pangasinan.
In the photos shared by the senator during the hearing, former PNP Chief was seen multiple times with Tony Yang at meetings in Cagayan de Oro City.
Additionally, he was photographed with Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Dong Calugay and Wesley Guo at Camp Crame.
Hontiveros noted that there are individuals who have been named during the hearing and should be summoned to present their side.
