DOJ grants extension for Okada mess probe

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) fact-finding panel investigating the alleged $5-million bribe supposedly received by a former consultant of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) from a firm of Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada was given another month to conclude its probe.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she has decided to grant the request of the three member factfinding panel for extension of the time for the submission of their report on the bribery complaint filed by Pagcor chair and chief ex- ecutive officer Cristino Naguiat Jr.

In the complaint, Naguiat asked the DOJ to investigate the alleged bribe given by Universal Entertainment Corp., the flagship company of Okada, to Rodolfo Soriano, also an associate of former Pagcor chair Efraim Genuino.

“The members of the panel sought for an extension of the timetable to complete their work. I am granting it. They need more time,” said de Lima in a text message.

The panel originally had 30 days, or until Dec. 22 to submit its report on whether or not there is basis in the complaint.

Wire reports said agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are in the country to conduct their own probe. They are coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation, an attached agency of the DOJ and which is part of the investigating panel formed last November to look into the alleged payoff.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Malacañang is not aware of any information that the FBI has been involved in the investigation.