During the forum, Vargas admitted that he does not like the “system” and “culture” of the POC, saying that it is uncomfortable for him to work in an environment ingrained with politics. “Where I am not comfortable in the POC is the culture, and how my own personality or leadership is being forced to a situation that I don’t like in terms of running the organization,” he claimed, “I’m not too happy about that and we’d like to move forward to seeing to it that the culture changes into a more transparent, more honest, and less political organization.”
Vargas officially became POC President on February 23, 2018, saying he “inherited” a board who was comprised of members that were a lot closer with former head Jose Cojuangco. Speaking alongside Communications Director Ed Picson and chairman Rep. Bambol Tolentino, Vargas continued, “We have to live in the culture of the board that we are trying to work with. They have many rights, procedures, tradition, and all that we’re trying to work with. If I can no longer do a good job, I just want to prepare the organization for it, and somebody that can actually do a better job than me.”
With full transparency, Vargas concluded in Filipino, “At this point in my experience with the POC, it’s like I don’t like it anymore,” adding that Tolentino, who was initiated into the board at the same time as him is his “angel” and helps him handle the job.
The event was presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, Amelie Hotel-Manila, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).