Archbishop Cruz threatened with libel for denouncing PAGCOR
"It is a den of vice and has no place in a moral society"
Manila (AsiaNews) "I am not afraid to go to jail," said Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan and former president of the Philippine Bishops' Conference on live television news last night. A campaign has been waged against the Archbishop by the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for his denouncement of the government gambling organization. In his latest effort to expose PAGCOR's unethical use of government funds last Monday June 28th, he also deplored its exploitation of women. Now 20 female employees of PAGCOR are threatening the Archbishop with a libel suit, for having "pained and embarrassed them" in front of their families and the public.
The women were hired as entertainers for the birthday party of First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo, at the presidential palace. Prior to the event, the women were brought to a 5-star hotel where they were made-up and dressed. They were told not to put on jewelry, as these would be given to them gratis later. They were instructed not to wear their wedding bands.
Monday's statement issued by Mons. Cruz declared that PAGCOR management "choose 25 [marketing assistants] for their physical attributes and winning personalities," condemning the official government gambling agency, for not only using gambling as a source of money for the government, but also for exploiting women.
Despite threats to his life, Mons. Cruz has been a staunch opponent of PAGCOR and of any form of gambling in the country. He has previously exposed dubious expenses incurred by PAGCOR, based on reports from PAGCOR personnel, from whom he also received information of the women's act. "I always double check my sources," he told reporters based at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines media office.
This is the first time that female employees of PAGCOR have threatened the Archbishop in court.
"I shall not contest the suit. I shall not accept any defence lawyer. I shall not post any bail. I am willing to be placed behind bars," the Archbishop stated. Mons. Cruz confirmed to AsiaNews that no official charges against him have been made yet, though the scandal has been covered by Filipino media.
"PAGCOR is evil. It has too much money to dispose of. It has too much influence to throw around," he stated. Mons. Cruz again stressed the need for the abolition of PAGCOR.
"It is a den of vice and has no place in a moral society." (SE)
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24/11/2023 17:14
