Former Pagcor Chair Efraim Genuino. FILE PHOTO
The Sandiganbayan has found probable cause to try former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairman Efraim Genuino on four counts of perjury for allegedly making false statements under oath in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).
READ: Ex-Pagcor chair Genuino charged with perjury in SALN
In its resolution promulgated March 1, the anti-graft court Third Division said the matters of defense raised by Genuino in refuting the charges are best threshed out during trial.
“After personally reading and evaluating the Informations, the Resolutions… and the Order .. of the Ombudsman… the Court finds the existence of probable cause that the crime of perjury defined under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code has been committed and that the accused-movant is probably guilty thereof,” the court said.
The resolution was penned by Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje Tang and had the concurrence of Associate Justices Sarah Jane Fernandez and Bernelito Fernandez.
Genuino last August posted a P24,000 bail bond or P6,000 each for four counts of perjury on the charge of “willfully” and “feloniously” making false statements under oath in his SALN for the years 2002 to 2005.
READ: Ex-Pagcor chair Genuino posts bail for perjury in SALN
He was accused of the crime of perjury defined under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.
“Genuino, then a public officer… and thus required by law to file his sworn SALN, did then and there, willfully, unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly accomplished a SALN… and deliberately affirmed under oath the falsehood contained therein pertaining to his undervalued assets by failing to disclose, despite full knowledge thereof, the following real properties registered under his name and his wife,” the Office of the Special Prosecutor said in the charge sheet.
The prosecution said Genuino failed to disclose four lots in Bangkal, Makati, one lot in Tunasan, Muntinlupa, one lot in Los Baños, Laguna, and another in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Genuino also faces two charges of graft for the anomalous disbursement of P37 million Pagcor funds for the training of swimmers competing in the Olympics at a college he owns. IDL/rga
READ: Ex-Pagcor chair seeks dismissal of graft raps over funds mess