Philippine prosecutors are seeking permission to drop one of three graft charges against Efraim Genuino, former chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., according to the Manila Bulletin.
PAGCOR, the country’s state-run gaming regulator, runs nine casinos and 31 satellite gaming halls and also oversees commercial gaming ventures.
Genuino allegedly misappropriated about PHP37 million (US$687,800) of government funds earmarked for the support of swimmers planning to compete in the 2012 Olympics. The Philippine Swimming League filed charges against the PAGCOR boss in 2011.
The prosecution now contends that one of the three charges is redundant and can be omitted from the case. That charge is related to an accusation that Genuino, other PAGCOR officials and the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association conspired to have PHP9 million of the money given directly to the swimming association. The Bulletin said the Philippine Sports Commission should have distributed the funds.
Others charged in the case are Rafael Francisco, former PAGCOR president and operations chief; Edward King, a former senior vice-president; Rene Figueroa, a former executive vice-president; Ester Hernandez, a former vice-president; and Valente Custodio, a former assistant vice-president.
