Photos and videos of Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson performing with her girl group Mocha Girls at a casino in Pasay recently surfaced online.
The photos immediately drew the attention of netizens, the PCOO, and Malacañang.
Mocha Girls ? (@ Bar 360 in Pasay City, Metro Manila) https://t.co/Jf5gZsuZga pic.twitter.com/FFnWtFMtUn
— Kamsi (@kcamposagrado) July 12, 2016
Government officials and personnel are prohibited from entering and staying at casinos as per Presidential Decree No. 1067-B (series of 1977), as amended by PD No. 1869 (series of 1983).
According to the casino’s website, Mocha Girls, including Asec. Uson, performs at Bar 360 located at the ground floor of the casino, every Tuesday 10:00 to 11:00 PM.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on September 20, 2016 signed Memorandum Circular No. 06 reminding government officials to observe the highest standards of ethics as public employees.
“In view of its negative effect on the public perception of government service as a whole, the mere entry or presence of government officials and employees in a gambling casino shall be considered as a conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service,” the memo read.
PCOO Secretary Andanar said in a text message to the media that he is looking into the matter while Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said that investigation on the matter would have to be handled by the PCOO.
“From the Palace point of view, policy needs to be complied with. But in this matter, it needs to be properly vetted,” Manila Bulletin quoted Abella as saying. (Source: Manila Bulletin)
