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Sandiganbayan Finds Former Ex-PAGCOR Chair and Ex-PSC Chair Guilty in P37 Million Graft Case
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has finally reached a decision on the high-profile case involving former officials of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The Sandiganbayan has found former PAGCOR Chairman Efraim C. Genuino, former President and Chief Operating Officer Rafael A. Francisco, and former PSC Chairman William I. Ramirez, guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Accused Genuino was found not guilty of violating Section 3(h) of the same law.
The case involved the unlawful remittance of P37.06 million in public funds from PAGCOR to the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA), a non-governmental organization. The said amount was used or paid to the TRACE Aquatic Center (TAC), a facility owned and controlled by Genuino and his family, Synercraft Control Technologies (SCT), and/or Jose Arne A. Navarra, among others.
The Sandiganbayan found that the direct remittance of the 5% income share of the PSC from the income of PAGCOR did not have the approval of the PSC Board of Directors and was made in violation of Republic Act No. 6847, also known as the Philippine Sports Commission Act, and other pertinent rules and regulations. This caused undue injury to the government and other national sports agencies.
In its decision, the Sandiganbayan said that the accused acted with evident bad faith, manifest partiality, or gross inexcusable negligence, and conspired and confederated with one another to give unwarranted benefits, preference, or advantage to PASA, TRACE College or TAC, SCT, and/or Jose Arne A. Navarra.
The Sandiganbayan sentenced Genuino, Francisco, and Ramirez to imprisonment of possibly up to 10 years and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The Sandiganbayan also ordered the accused to return the amount of P37.06 million to the government. The decision was promulgated on March 3, 2023, and the accused have 15 days to file their respective appeals.
The Sandiganbayan has found former PAGCOR Chairman Efraim C. Genuino, former President and Chief Operating Officer Rafael A. Francisco, and former PSC Chairman William I. Ramirez, guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Accused Genuino was found not guilty of violating Section 3(h) of the same law.
The case involved the unlawful remittance of P37.06 million in public funds from PAGCOR to the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA), a non-governmental organization. The said amount was used or paid to the TRACE Aquatic Center (TAC), a facility owned and controlled by Genuino and his family, Synercraft Control Technologies (SCT), and/or Jose Arne A. Navarra, among others.
The Sandiganbayan found that the direct remittance of the 5% income share of the PSC from the income of PAGCOR did not have the approval of the PSC Board of Directors and was made in violation of Republic Act No. 6847, also known as the Philippine Sports Commission Act, and other pertinent rules and regulations. This caused undue injury to the government and other national sports agencies.
In its decision, the Sandiganbayan said that the accused acted with evident bad faith, manifest partiality, or gross inexcusable negligence, and conspired and confederated with one another to give unwarranted benefits, preference, or advantage to PASA, TRACE College or TAC, SCT, and/or Jose Arne A. Navarra.
The Sandiganbayan sentenced Genuino, Francisco, and Ramirez to imprisonment of possibly up to 10 years and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The Sandiganbayan also ordered the accused to return the amount of P37.06 million to the government. The decision was promulgated on March 3, 2023, and the accused have 15 days to file their respective appeals.
Mar 4, 2023
