By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator JV Ejercito expressed his belief that Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, is not the “most guilty” party involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“I’m not siding with Alice Guo, but I believe she is not the most guilty. I think she’s just a pawn in a web of international criminal syndicates. What’s important here is to identify the mastermind,” Ejercito said during a radio interview.

“I don’t think she has the capacity to be the mastermind behind all these crimes,” he added.

Ejercito mentioned that he would be open to holding an executive session with Guo if she is willing to reveal the names of those behind the illegal POGOs.

“If she’s really willing to expose the big bosses behind these criminal syndicates, then perhaps we could consider it,” the senator noted.

Last week, at least three senators rejected Guo’s request for an executive session.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is leading the Senate investigation, stated that Guo needed to present facts publicly before any closed-door session could be approved.

The Senate is scheduled to resume its session on Tuesday.

ia/mnm