Senate won't probe Naguiat

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate is not keen on conducting an investigation into the bribery allegation against Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chairman Cristino Naguiat, who was embroiled in a controversy with two casino kingpins abroad.

“That is a practice in the trade. If not, many officials here will end up in jail. If some go to Macau, many are given special privileges,” Enrile said.

Enrile thinks Naguiat did not violate any Philippine law when he accepted hotel accommodations from a casino tycoon in Macau.

He noted that the contract between Steve Wynn’s estranged Japanese partner Kazuo Okada was signed during the time of ex-Pagcor chairman Efraim Genuino.

“That was already approved during the previous administration. It was signed by Efraim Genuino. I know the executives of Okada. I met them here. They saw me,” he noted.

Enrile noted that congressional franchises were already issued to Okada’s firm, and that can no longer be taken out.

“I don’t know if Steve Wynn is involved in their operation in the Philippines because when their officials came here I was a member of the Senate at that time. I was chairman of public services when I was introduced to them by I think Efraim (Genuino),” the Senate president added.

Asked whether Naguiat or other Pagcor officials should be barred from getting special privileges from foreign counterparts, Enrile reiterated that special privileges are commonly given to officials in the casino business.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said there is no need for Naguiat to give up his post, echoing the Palace’s statement that the treatment the Pagcor chief received was par for the course in the gambling industry.

“He should not resign. He stole nothing from the government so why resign? It’s the practice ever since, once you are invited abroad, it’s all expenses paid. I see no impropriety in that SOP (standard operating procedure),” Estrada said.