Cristino ‘Bong’ Naguiat, the new chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) says he and a new Pagcor board will order a policy review on state-sponsored gaming, including the proliferation of land-based casinos.
Whether this will amount to a change of policy direction, or is mainly rhetoric from a man parachuted into Pagcor by a national president who campaigned on a reforming ticket, remains to be seen.
Mr Naguiat certainly seems to be gunning for Pagcor’s former chairman Dr Ephraim Genuino. He claims Dr Genuino used Pagcor funds for his son Erwin’s failed bid to become mayor of Makati City, a district of Metro Manila.
Mr Naguiat cited as evidence campaign materials and rice sacks with Erwin Genuino’s picture on them that were found on the 6th floor of Pagcor’s headquarters. In Asia, rice handouts are a traditional way for public figures and politicians to cultivate goodwill among voters and the public in general. Dr Genuino denies using Pagcor funds for his son’s electoral bid, saying that the campaign materials found inside the building were donated by outsiders.
The new Pagcor chairman said he was also investigating so-called ‘midnight contracts’ Dr Genuino allegedly signed before leaving office that may represent a bad deal for the public purse.
Dr Genuino’s supporters say the claims are being put out by disgruntled staff trying to ingratiate themselves with the new Pagcor management.
Mr Naguiat says the new administration of President Benigno Aquino is assessing replacements for the four other members of the Pagcor board.
Mr Naguiat should certainly know where any ‘bodies’ are buried in Pagcor’s accounts. He previously worked as a Pagcor employee for 14 years between 1987 and 2001 in the finance, treasury and audit departments. He left in 2001, after Dr Genuino took over as chairman.
