Lacson mulls inviting Bong Pineda to Senate probe on STL

Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda might be summoned to the next Senate committee hearing on small town lottery (STL), said Senator Panfilo Lacson, who is convinced that the businessman is behind the operations in Camarines Sur.

“We might really consider calling him in the next hearing. Kasi [it seems] napakaraming probinsya na siya ang nag-o-operate. At the same time, may allegation ng guerilla operations," Lacson said in an interview Monday.

Lacson said someone “very close” to Pineda went to his office after the previous Senate committee hearing where Pineda’s name was mentioned.

“Sabi niya initially, gusto makipag-usap because his name was mentioend and they wanted to explain something to me as chairman of the committee. Sabi ko yes, I am willing to talk…Anyway, wala naman personalan ito,” Lacson said.

The next message he received from the same person, however, indicated that Pineda no longer wanted to talk after the license of Evenchance Gaming Corp., which was based in Camarines Sur, was terminated.

“Why am I telling you this? It only shows na totoo nga si Bong Pineda ang nag-ooperate sa Camarines Sur; not only Cam Sur but other areas,” he said.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte earlier accused Pineda, husband of Pampanga Governor Lilia Piedia, of being behind the Evenchance. 

As of posting time, GMA News Online was trying to reach Pineda’s camp for their comment. — RSJ, GMA News