Philippines. Jack Lam Yin Lok, a Chinese national, left the Philippines on November 29 days before President Duterte ordered his arrest aboard a flight to Hong Kong, and will not be returning to the Philippines in connection with allegations over his now-suspended gaming operations in that country
Rodrigo Duterte, called for his arrest for alleged bribery and economic sabotage and the country’s Bureau of Immigration, alleged that he illegally employed foreign nationals and then tried to bribe immigration officials to close an inquiry into the matter; and the country’s casino regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), has ordered the closure of his Philippine operations, claiming he was not paying the necessary dues. (READ SO The Philippines’ President, Rodrigo Duterte orders seizure of Jack Lam assets )
“It is the consensus of Mr Lam’s lawyers, both abroad and here, for him to decline any invitation to return,” attorney Raymond Fortun told a committee hearing held that day at the Philippine Senate.
The Philippine Senate is conducting an investigation into an alleged PHP50-million (US$1-million) bribe said to have been offered by a go-between for Mr Lam, to former Bureau of Immigration deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles. It was said to be in exchange for the release of Chinese workers arrested at Clark on alleged visa irregularities. (READ SO ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING ACT IS GETTING FORCE IN ASIA)
Mr Robles and Mr Argosino had earlier told the committee that they had brought money they had received from Mr Lam’s alleged middleman, former Philippine police officer Wally Sombero, to a birthday party thrown by Mr Lim. Mr Lim said that was merely a coincidence.
