Malversation raps filed vs former Pagcor chairman, 4 others

MANILA, Philippines — Another criminal complaint has been filed against former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairman Efraim Genuino and several others before the Department of Justice (DoJ)  in connection with the alleged use of rice donations to typhoon victims in electioneering activities.

In its complaint, aside from Genuino, named respondents by Pagcor in the alleged malversation of public funds were Edward King, former Pagcor Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications and Services Department; Mai Mai Tado, top executive of Trace Computer College owned by the Genuinos who’s now City Administrator of Los Banos, Laguna; Anthony and Erwin Genuino, sons of the former Pagcor chief who ran in the mayoralty race in Los Banos and Makati City, respectively.

“Our investigation and records show that Genuino and four others connived to misappropriate more than P3.1 million worth of public funds and property, from Pagcor by diverting part of the rice donation to bolster the political ambitions of his two sons during the 2010 elections,” said Sarmiento in a statement.

Sarmiento said the filing of charges against Genuino and four others was part of the new Pagcor management’s thrust to bring to justice those who have committed unlawful acts against the state-owned gaming firm in the past.

Based on the complaint, Genuino, in June 2008 was able to secure a donation of 300 metric tons of Thai rice from Aruze Corporation for the victims of typhoon “Frank.”

The donation was made in favor of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The deed of donation dated July 8, 2008 was signed by Kazuo Okada, chairman of Aruze corporation and DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral, thus, allowing this to be exempt from taxes.

However, the rice donated was withdrawn from the port, placed under the custody of Pagcor and delivered to a private warehouse in Cabuyao, Laguna, a week after the Deed of Donation has been filed.