Ex-PAGCOR chief Genuino posts bail for graft

Former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Ephraim C. Genuino on Friday posted a P90,000-bail bond for his graft cases in connection with the alleged anomalous release of PAGCOR funds amounting P37 million in 2007 to 2009.

Arriving with his lawyers, Genuino went straight to the Sandiganbayan Third Division Office of the Clerk of Court to post his bail and to undergo a booking procedure.

The P90,000-bail bond which Genuino posted in cash was in exchange for his provisional liberty for two counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and one count of violation of Section 3 (h) also of RA 3019.

Genuino immediately left the Sandiganbayan building after posting his bail, refusing to grant an interview with the media.

Genuino posted his bail even before the court determines whether or not there is a probable cause to proceed with the trial of the cases and orders his arrest.

The cases stemmed from the alleged anomalous release of PAGCOR funds amounting to more than P37 million for the training of swimmers competing in the 2012 Olympics.

Based on the information of the cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman last week, checks totaling P37,063,488 were released by PAGCOR to Philippine Amateur Swimming Association Inc. (PASA) between April 2007 to August 2009.

The Ombudsman said the release of both funds was anomalous as it has not passed prior approval by the PAGCOR Board of Directors.

The OSP further noted that the Trace Aquatic Center (TAC), a sports facility leased by PASA for the swimming training program was owned by Genuino and his family.

“The funds directly released to PASA were expended to pay TAC for the use of its aquatic, a sports facility effectively owned and controlled by accused Genuino and his family,” the charge sheet read.

Section 3(e) of RA 3019 prohibits a public official from causing undue injury to any party including the government, or giving any party unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.

Section 3 (h) of RA 3019, on the other hand, prohibits public officials from directly or indirectly having financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction that the government is entering into. — RSJ, GMA News