CA junks estafa case vs Okada
The Court of Appeals has dismissed a criminal case filed earlier against Okada Manila chairman Kazuo Okada, reaffirming its earlier resolution in December 2021 that cleared Okada of estafa charges.
In a statement, Okada Manila said the gaming tycoon has been cleared of the charges filed by his former associate, Hajime Tokuda et. al., back in 2018.
“The CA ruled that the salaries and allowances Kazuo Okada received represented just compensation due him for services rendered as chairman of Okada Manila,” Okada Manila said.
The camp of Tokuda filed a motion for reconsideration, but the Court of Appeals dismissed this with finality in a resolution dated July 6, 2022.
As a consequence of this decision, the warrants of arrest against Okada and former COO Takahiro Usui have now been recalled and quashed, Okada Manila said.
“This legal victory comes on the heels of the turnover of Okada Manila to the Kazuo Okada group last May 31, 2022 on the strength of a Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO) issued by the Supreme Court,” it also said.
With this latest legal victory, Okada said he is grateful that “justice and fairness has once again been upheld.”
He has also expressed his appreciation to “all those who continue to support him during this trying period in his life.”
Okada and his board assured the public they would adhere to the highest standard of commitment, service to the employees, partners, vendors, and to Okada Manila Resort and Casino’s most valued customers.
Okada returned to the company following the Supreme Court Order, years after he was ousted in 2017.
Okada Manila said it is now business as usual in the integrated resort in Paranaque with the return of its chairman.
The camp of Okada has assured the employees that their welfare comes first with the timely release of salaries, bonuses, and other benefits.
“The unexpected ousting of chairman Okada in 2017 created an unnecessary pause to the plans and efforts that he started. But his reinstatement has once again revived his vision and plans to make Okada Manila the most prestigious integrated resort in the Philippines,” Okada Manila said.