Parañaque officials accused of fast-tracking gaming permits

Three Parañaque officials have been accused of allegedly expediting the approval of business permits for several gaming and entertainment firms in exchange for “grease money”, Philstar reports.

Councilor Brillante Inciong submitted the seven-page complaint-affidavit to the Ombudsman urging an investigation of Councilors John Ryan Yllana and Edwin Benzon as well as city council executive assistant Rick for graft, violation of Republic Act 6713 and attempted corruption of a public officer.

Inciong has asked the ombudsman to place the officials under preventive suspension while his complaint is being investigated.

Inciong alleged that Yllana, through Villanueva had attempted to bribe him with “grease money” in April for the approval of a Letter of No Objection (LONO), which is required before a gaming firm can be issued a permit by the city government and a license or franchise by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. or Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

He was later approached by Benzon to accept the “LONO money” but he refused then too.

Inciong said he was stripped of the committee chairmanship in June in a move allegedly initiated by Yllana.

Latest Intelligence

Latest issue

PATA CEO sees slow recovery, but optimism for future

AGB Podcasts