Sual Mayor Dong Calugay skips Pogo probe again, subpoena ordered

Photo from Dong Calugay/FACEBOOK

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Dong Calugay of Sual, Pangasinan skipped the Senate’s probe into Alice Guo’s “ties” to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), prompting the chamber’s panel on women to order the issuance of a subpoena against him.

Panel head Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked the committee secretary whether or not Calugay was present — to which the latter answered no.

“This is the second time that mayor Calugay is absent. Noong unang imbitasyon sa kanila ng komite, sinabi nila may sakit sila sa dengue. This is the second inability to honor the invitation of the committee,” said Hontiveros.

READ: Guo’s live-in partner runs illegal Pogos; he’s also a public official, says Estrada

Sen. Joel Villanueva then interjected, moving for the issuance of a subpoena against Calugay. It was seconded by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.

Another panel also headed by Hontiveros, the Senate’s subcommittee on justice, invited Calugay to its September 5 hearing but failed to personally appear.

READ: Alice Guo – in bulletproof vest – appears at Senate for Pogo probe

A medical certificate was sent to Hontiveros’ office indicating that the 53-year-old Sual mayor had dengue fever.

Hontiveros said an executive session at the Senate revealed Calugay’s possible involvement in Alice Guo’s escape from Philippine jurisdiction.