Senate to probe ‘Entertainment City’

MANILA, Philippines—A full-blown investigation into the status of the multi-billion dollar “Entertainment City” is in the offing in the Senate, following a controversy involving one of its operators.

No less than the chairman of the Senate committee on games, Senator Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III, initiated the investigation, saying the people were in the dark on the status of the project’s implementation.

“After four years since the grand plan was hatched, the people and the government are in the dark as to the status of its implementation, thus warranting a full blown investigation by the Senate,” Pimentel said in a statement on Thursday.

“Naisip ko lang mag-investigate sa (I just thought of investigating) status of the project because the project was brought to the public attention to worldwide fame because of the dispute, the conflict between Wynn and Okada,” he said in a separate interview, referring to the case filed by American casino tycoon Steve Wynn of Wynn Resorts and erstwhile partner Kazuo Okada of Universal Entertainment Corp.

Okada is one of four proponents granted licenses to build, own and operate integrated resorts in Entertainment City Manila.

“It must be a crucial, desirable project. Bakit bakit pinag-awayan (What’s the fight all about?). I think the people have the right to know the status,” Pimentel added.

The senator noted that it was already four years ago when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp announced in April 2008 a grand plan to put up a Las-Vegas style casino and tourism complex near the Manila Bay to be named “Entertainment City Manila.”

But until now, even Pimentel was clueless as to the status of the project.

Asked whether he has received reports of any irregularities in the implementation of the project, Pimentel said, “None. But let’s say, the project is dormant, it’ s not keeping up with the anticipated time table, then that’s an anomaly itself.”

“Because you know, one of the reasons why that big project was undertaken is for the anticipated benefits the project will bring in tourisms…” he further said.

Asked again if the implementation of the project was slow, the senator said, “I have no idea as to its status that’s why we will get from Pagcor itself and from the locators and the licensees.”