Senators want $2-B casino project probed

MANILA, Philippines - Two senators on Monday said that the allegedly bribery ridden $2-billion casino project in Manila Bay should be investigated by the Senate.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed Senate Resolution NO. 901, urging the upper chamber of Congress to conduct a probe on allegations that former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Efraim Genuino and former Pagcor consultant Rodolfo Soriano received bribes in connection with the project.

Santiago said two former Pagcor officials should "explain and account for the alleged millions of dollars they received" from the Universal Entertainment Corporation.

”They could be facing up to ten years imprisonment, perpetual disqualification from public office, and confiscation or forfeiture in favor of the Government of any unexplained wealth if found to have violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” Santiago said.

”The state shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption” Santiago, quoting Article 2, Section 27 of the Constitution, said.

For his part, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said that he would also file a separate resolution urging the Senate to investigate reports that Soriano acted as a "bagman" for Genuino and that he received a $5-million bribe for the project.