Theory of relativity
in public service

Now, I am firm in my belief that the theory of relativity has been applied by the Aquino administration insofar as conduct of mis-conduct of public officials are concerned.

The latest of this proof of that theory has been upheld in the case of PAGCOR CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr.

Naguiat was reported by a former FBI director, now hired as investigator by Wynn Resorts, whose chief executive Steve Wynn has claimed that a Japanese pachingco stockholder in the Resort, had violated the US Anti-Corrupt Practices Act through alleged payoff of two Philippine gaming officials.

Funny, but Naguiat, even before he could explain in details his receipt of some $50,000 in perks and spending money from Oakada during his 2010 visit to Macau, had already been cleared by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

The latter said the President had agreed that it was just an industry-wide practice.

Naguiat reportedly was given a $6,000 a night suite in a Macau hotel and also $20,000 in shopping money.

Naguiat, however, dismissed the claim that he was given $1,800 Chanel bag for his wife, three children and their nanny.

But since they were already in Macau, they were accommodated in the same room as Naguiat. And Lacierda stressed that the PAGCOR CEO had not benefited anything from these gifts.

That, before the PAGCOR official had explained in his detailed brief what had happened for him to have been included in the former FBI prober’s reports as recipient of the largesse.

But, no, Lacierda had already exculpated Naguiat on the pretext that the perks and privileges extended to Naguiat are just part of industry hospitality given to members of casino operators.

He added that Naguiat has not been charged with violation of the US Anti-Corruption Act. But he could be challenged under the US laws when he is a Filipino official.

So, a casino operator is not a regulator. In short, he is now a government official. That’s a big lie. Casino operators in the Philippines are employees of PAGCOR and, therefore, are government officials even if they are not regulators.

Worse, Lacierda justified the stay of Naguiat’s wife and three children plus their nanny in the $6,000 suite as justified because they were in Macau when Naguiat checked in.

In short, based on the same speedy exoneration of Presidential Adviser Ronald Llamas, all that is needed to remove the stigma of immorality and anti-graft is to be the personal friend of the President.

So, where is now the “Daang matuwid?”

****

It is not yet March, but is seems that the controversy over the SMBA could have been solved by the simple clarification by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as to when actually is the properly named SMBA Administrator.

Mike Macapagal, businessman, said he had been appointed as such to replace SMBA chair Roberto Garcia, concurrently administrator.

Macapagal said he was appointed last Jan. 30 and his appointment was to take effect on Feb. 27.

Armin Santos, former head of SMBA tourism department, said he leads the Macapagal transition team, stressing their claim is authentic.

Garcia, however, claimed that he had already taken his oath as SMBA administration before President Benigno Aquino III.

So, something has to be done fast to address the confusion. Ochoa should clarify once and for all how this occurred.

Just hope he does not have a hangover.*

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