Aquino defends gaming chief

Friday, February 24, 2012

MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III said Friday that Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chairman Cristino Naguiat Jr., who was accused of receiving bribes from a Japanese casino magnate, should be accorded due process.

The Chief Executive told reporters in Cavite that Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa will head a committee that will investigate if there was really an issue or none on the allegations hurled against Naguiat, Aquino's close friend and former classmate.

"First, let us find out the specific accusations then we will task him (Naguiat) to explain himself with regard to the specific accusations. Then, the committee will determine whether or not there is an issue or no issue," he said.

He said that like the case of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, who is undergoing a trial, Naguiat should also be given the opportunity to explain his side.

"There's presumption of innocence until proven guilty. So in this particular instance, I think, we should afford him also the benefit of hearing him out before we make any judgment," Aquino said.

American firm Whynn Resorts Ltd. accused Japanese businessman Kazuo Okada of bribing Naguiat as well as former Pagcor chair Ephraim Genuino.

Okada, a former director of Wynn Resorts, allegedly went behind the back of the company to advance the interest of his own Universal Entertainment Group in the Philippines. (SDR/Sunnex)