Casino managers defend Pagcor

All 24 senior and junior branch managers of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. have issued a manifesto detailing Pagcor’s accomplishments since 2001 as they expressed concern "over recent news articles that have put the integrity of our corporation and our chairman Efraim Genuino in question."

"Through the years, our officers and staff have responded to the challenge of the times and situations by working as a team of hardworking public servants dedicated to contribute to government’s effort in building a strong Republic," the managers, who oversee the operation of 13 Casino Filipino branches all over the country, said in their statement.

They cited Genuino and the rest of Pagcor’s board of directors for steering the company to success despite the onslaught of numerous challenges like the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the SARS scare. Pagcor was recently declared by the Securities and Exchange Commission the most profitable company in 2002.

"This year, Pagcor faced the crisis brought about by the SARS outbreak losing neither its composure nor its focus. We worked doubly hard and succeeded in keeping the shortfall to a minimum of less than 10 percent while other countries that rely on revenues from casino gaming suffered staggering losses of up to 60 percent," the branch managers noted.

They added Pagcor’s winning streak was due to the streamlined operations, better operational controls and waste-cutting measures instituted by the present management.

"However, this did not mean we compromised our socio-civic programs. Despite the crisis, we were able to launch projects such as the Hotline 966 emergency medical service system, the Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA) campaign, the Handog-Kalusugan free dental and medical missions, streetlighting and beautification projects, and sports development programs" among others, the managers pointed out.

They also expressed pride at the fact that Pagcor "attained success in its operations despite the odds... under the able management and stewardship of Chairman Genuino."

The signatories to the manifesto of support entitled "Pagcor Managers Speak Out" are Dan Dia, Hector Cham, Jose Tulio, Rogelio Bangsil Jr., Arsenio Villanueva, Dario Cordero, Andres Lizares, Ernesto Francisco, Rafael Paterno Jr., Carlos Padilla, Arthur Malatag, Danilo Navarro, Danilo Cuneta, Roberto Reyes, Alexander Betita Jr., Alexander Paz, Roberto De Jesus, Alexander Ozaeta, Lita Castillo, Dan Enriquez, Fidel Fuentes, Alberto Perez, Eric Livelo and Vicente Veloso.

It was learned that the managers had the full support of close to 10,000 employees who comprise the backbone of Pagcor’s gaming operations. They have initiated a massive signature campaign to drum up unity and patriotism in Pagcor.