Criminal charges for corruption and malversation have been filed against former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Chairman Efraim Genuino and other Pagcor officials in separate resolutions for the misuse of the gaming agency’s funds.
Prosecutors found probable cause to charge the former Pagcor chief before the Office of the Ombudsman.
In a 109-page resolution, Genuino, other Pagcor officials and private individuals “conspired with one another in amassing, acquiring and accumulating ill-gotten wealth” amounting to P50 million “in the form of illegal donations and irregularly approved sponsorships and contract awards,” allegedly to fund the party-list bid of Batas Iwas Droga (BIDA).
BIDA indicates the existence of conflict of interest considering that as Pagcor directors they exercised control and power over the disbursement of Pagcor funds.
In another case, the Department of Justice (DoJ) panel found probable cause against Genuino in connection with graft charges on tickets and passes for the movie “Baler,” a project of the BIDA Foundation, bought supposedly using P26.7 million.
Also charged with graft were Jose Benedicto, Rene Figueroa, Edward King, Ester Hernandez and Valente Custodio.
The panel, however, did not find probable cause to charge the other co-accused, including Genuino’s son Erwin.
Lastly, the DoJ found probable cause to charge Genuino with malversation of public funds and property under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code for allegedly misappropriating more than 1,200 cavans of rice the Philippines received from foreign donors.
Genuino ordered the rice be repacked into sacks bearing the name and images of his two sons.
“(Genuino’s sons) converted the same for their personal use and benefit... in their election campaign,” the DoJ alleged.
Also charged in the third case were King and administrative officer of the Corporate Communications and Services Department John Joseph Javier.