PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday welcomed the intent of fugitive gambling tycoon Jack Lam to surrender to the authorities, following the chief executive’s order to arrest him for alleged attempted economic sabotage and bribery.
Duterte said Lam had sent feelers for his return to the Philippines and committed to settling his obligations when he comes back.
“Jack Lam has sent feelers that he would like to come back because one, he takes pity of 6,000 plus Filipinos who have jobs, [and] second, is that he will settle his obligations,” the President said an interview in Legaspi City, Albay.
“It’s fine with me because he has offered to come back, pay his tax, liabilities whatever it is,” he added.
Duterte ordered the arrest of Lam after claims that he tried to bribe Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Andrea Domingo to facilitate the release of at least 1,000 Chinese nationals nabbed for alleged involvement in illegal online gambling.
Despite his order, the President said he may absolve Lam if he will pay the right taxes.
“Just pay taxes, don’t bribe anybody,” he said.
Asked if there will be no charges filed against Lam, Duterte said, “None but I wanted him arrested. If I had arrested him, what will be the case? Economic sabotage, then bribery.” (Sunnex)
