Roque sees charges vs dismissed Nayong Pilipino Foundation execs

Malacañang is counting on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate and prosecute dismissed Nayong Pilipino Foundation senior officials involved in the alleged irregular lease contract with a casino resort developer.

According to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, the sacked officials of the state-owned entity could face graft or plunder charges for approving the “flawed” and “grossly disadvantageous” lease agreement.

“We expect that now that we have a new Ombudsman, there will be a swift investigation and filing of case against them whenever there is a such decision from the President,” Roque said in Filipino during a radio interview.

President Duterte recently fired all board members and management officials of Nayong Pilipino Foundation over the “ridiculous” long-term lease contract with Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp. (LRPDC) for an integrated project at the Manila Bay entertainment district.

Duterte also ordered a review of the lease contract, which he claimed was forged without public bidding and was disadvantageous to the government.

The President issued the directives amid his exasperation over the lingering corruption even during his administration, Roque said.

The dismissal of the NPF board and management officials coincided with Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed US$1.5-billion Nayon Landing project, which will host hotels, a casino, indoor theme parks and restaurants.

In his remarks over the radio Wednesday, Roque admitted that the President was angry like a “fire-breathing dragon” over Nayong Pilipino’s controversial lease agreement.