Ex-Pagcor chief Genuino charged with graft

Former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairman Efraim Genuino was charged yesterday with multiple graft before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly spending P37 million in public funds to pay for the training venue of athletes of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association for the London Olympic Games from 2007 to 2009.

The Office of the Ombudsman said the release of the Pagcor funds was “all in violation of pertinent laws or government auditing and accounting rules and regulations.”

Money used to pay the training facility Trace Aquatic Center (TAC) was sourced from the five percent gross income allotment share of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) from Pagcor funds, which should have formed part of the former’s National Sports Development Fund, the anti- graft agency added.

Investigation showed that Genuino and his family owned the facility TAC, which was paid rent using government money.

Genuino’s co- accused were other former Pagcor officials, PSC chairman William Ramirez and Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph.

Graft investigators said Genuino had “a direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest” in the allocation and disbursement of the money released in favor of PASA that ultimately went to TAC.

Genuino is facing other graft and malversation of public funds cases before the Sandiganbayan for alleged offenses committed during his term at Pagcor.

The allegations against him include the questionable promotion of the film “Baler,” which resulted in alleged loss and misuse of public funds.