Lam can return if he apologizes and pays taxes: Duterte

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he would allow Jack Lam to do business in the country again if he apologized for bribing an official and paid the correct taxes, local media reports.

Duterte ordered the arrest of the Hong Kong-based casino kingpin after he allegedly attempted to bribe Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre and Pagcor chair Andrea Domingo in order to protect his Philippine casino operations.

Duterte said he would allow Lam to resume operations "on the condition that he lets go of original contract ... Just pay taxes, don't bribe anybody."

Duterte made the comments to reporters after Lam reportedly sent surrender feelers to authorities on Wednesday.

There has been no immediate comment from Lam or his lawyer.

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