Another wave of accusations and opinions against the Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs) came after President Rodrigo Duterte refused to shut it down entirely. Senator Richard Gordon has clarified what he hopes to see from the government, and hinted at a bribe offered to him. Meanwhile, at least one outlet has gone all out with opinion pieces about the industry.

Gordon alleged on March 10 that he was offered a P25 million ($500,000) bribe to end his investigation of money laundering in the POGO industry. The offer was made by a mutual friend linked to the Rodriguez family, who Gordon has summoned to appear before his money laundering senate committee due to their alleged involvement with online gambling operations, and sneaking money into the country.

Flatly refusing the bribe, Gordon insists the offer was a sign of guilt and that the investigation will continue.

But the senator made sure to refine his messaging from the past week about what should be done with POGOs. As long as crime is eliminated and taxes paid, he’s fine with operations continuing. ‘’I don’t want POGO to closed down immediately. I just wanted it regulated,’’ Gordon said.