The Philippine Office of the Ombudsman has launched an investigation of three Parañaque officials accused of trying to fast-track gaming permits in exchange for “grease money,” according to the Philippine Star.
Councilor Brillante Incion submitted a corruption complaint against fellow councilors John Ryan Yllana and Edwin Benzon as well as city council executive assistant Rick Villanueva for graft and attempted corruption of a public officer. Inciong asked the ombudsman to suspend the three while the complaint is being investigated, reported Asia Gaming Brief.
Incion alleges that Yllana, working through Villanueva, attempted to bribe him to approve a Letter of No Objection, a prerequisite for gaming firms seeking a permit from the city government and a license or franchise by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. or Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Incion says he was later approached by Benzon to accept the LONO money. He says he refused both overtures.
Incion also claims he was stripped of the committee chairmanship in June in a move allegedly initiated by Yllana. According to the Star, Yllana serves as the majority floor leader for Paranaque City Council and also is chairman of its Rules, Ethics and Oversight Committee. Yllana’s alleged actions are thought to have led to several applications being fast-tracked including that for the recently canceled $1.5 billion NayonLanding integrated resort project from Landing International Development Ltd.
Incion’s complaint reportedly charges that the Paranaque City Council has been transformed into a ‘paper mill’ that promises to issue LONO notices ‘favoring companies that promise and give grease money.”
