Pagcor spokesman: No pressure on chairman Genuino to resign

(Updated 6:47 p.m.) After a so-called "midnight appointment" extended his term, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chief Efraim Genuino has decided to retire. However, Pagcor officials insisted on Wednesday that there was no pressure on the chairman to do so. In a radio interview, Pagcor spokesman Edward King said Genuino filed his "retirement" papers on May 28 with outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. "Walang pressure yan, tingnan ninyo nag-file siya May 28 pa, after the election (There was no pressure in his decision. He filed his resignation as early as May 28, shortly after the election)," King said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Genuino plans to spend time with his grandchildren once his retirement takes effect June 30, King said. "Kausap ko kagabi, sabi niya magpapahinga muna siya at i-enjoy ang mga apo niya (I talked to him Tuesday night. He said he will take a rest and enjoy time with his grandchildren)," he said. King also indicated Genuino had communicated with President-elect Benigno Simeon Aquino III, but mostly to ensure a proper turnover. In an ambush interview with reporters outside his home on Times Street, Quezon City, Aquino appeared to be pleased with the resignation. "Nagte-thank you ako sa kanya, nakabawas siya ng sakit ng ulo (I am thanking him, [his resignation] is one less problem for me)," Aquino said. On March 9, the eve of an election ban on appointments, Mrs. Arroyo extended Genuino's term as Pagcor chairman for another year. King said Pagcor employees were sad upon learning of Genuino's resignation, but the said they will "carry on." "Malungkot po pero we have to carry on. Maraming nalungkot sa dami ng ginawa ni chairman Genuino. Ang sweldo ng empleyado umangat, higit sa lahat ang aming health benefits ng Pagcor employees napakaganda, one of the best in the industry (We are sad but we have to carry on. Many were saddened over what Genuino did. Under his watch, Pagcor employees' salaries went up and their health benefits were among the best in the industry)," he said. Genuino is the father of Erwin Genuino, who lost to Jejomar Binay Jr. in the mayoralty race in Makati during last month's elections. Critics of the Arroyo administration said that the elder Genuino's appointment to government could be traced to his perceived closeness to First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. - LBG/RSJ, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV