DoJ to probe Okada bribery scandal

Kazuo Okada and Steve Wynn. in better times AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DoJ) will conduct an investigation on the alleged $5 million bribe given by a company led by Japanese gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada in connection with the $2 billion entertainment city project.

In a Department Order 995 issued Thursday, De Lima designated lawyer Marlon Tauli of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Graft Division to head the fact finding body that will conduct the probe.

Other members of the panel include lawyer Catherine A. Camposano, Executive Officer, Internal Audit Unit, Office of the Director of the NBI and Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rosalinda P. Aquino.

“The fact finding panel shall investigate the allegations that, sometime in May 2010, a series of questionable payments were made by Aruze USA to then officials, employees and/or consultants of Pagcor, supposedly in relation to the issuance by the former management of Pagcor of a casino license in favour of Tiger Resorts and other transactions that may be related to, or may have had or shall have an effect on the entertainment city project,” De Lima said.

De Lima created the body after Pagcor Chairman Cristino Naguiat requested the DOJ’s assistance in conducting the investigation.

“We would like to seek your assistance and to request that your Department take the lead in pursuing an investigation related to these news reports as there are insinuations that the foregoing payments are somehow related to the issuance by the former management of Pagcor,” Naguiat said in his letter to De Lima dated Nov. 20.

Okada’s Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. is one of the 4 groups given a license to operate a casino in Pagcor’s Entertainment City.