Published
Land-BasedCasinoLegal & RegulatoryIndustry

“I have nothing to fear” – Kazuo Okada returns to Philippines despite lawyer warnings

Kazuo Okada has re-entered the Philippines to fight charges of grave coercion placed against him, for his forceful takeover of the Okada Manila casino on 31 May 2022. 

okada manila kazuo airplace
Listen To Article

Okada made the journey back to the Philippines on 17 October, on Japan Airlines flight JL 77, despite warnings from his lawyers that he may face immediate arrest upon his arrival to the country.

These warnings were justified, as Okada was arrested upon landing in the country. However, Okada has since posted bail as he plans to defend himself against legal charges.

The Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Okada and three of his associates – Antonio O. Cojuangco, Dindo A. Espeleta and legal counsel Attorney Binkey Herrera III – over the much-documented takeover of the Okada Manila earlier this year. 

Upon his return to the country, Okada released a statement in which he launched a staunch defence of himself. 

He said: “I insisted on coming back to the Philippines despite several warnings from my lawyers that I may be detained by the authorities. I want to show the Filipino people and the world that I am not afraid. I came back to face this “grave coercion” charge against me and my associates.  

“I have nothing to fear when I know I am standing on the right side of the law. I will not bow down to intimidation, and I will not back off from this legal battle. This fight isn’t over.” 

Okada also let it be known that despite the “relentless intimidation” and “trumped-up” charges filed by Hajime Tokuda, director at Universal Entertainment and Tiger Resorts Asia, this could not stop him from pursuing his responsibilities as Chairman of Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment (TRLEI).  

Per the Status Quo Ante Order awarded to Okada by the Philippines Court of Appeals in April 2022, he is now legally bound to the position despite the wishes of TRLEI’s parent Universal.  

Okada added: “The DOJ legal panel has already dismissed, for lack of merit, the six other charges of kidnapping, unjust vexation, falsification of public documents, direct assault, slight physical injuries and serious illegal detention.  

“Today, I will post bail for my temporary freedom. I have given instructions to my legal team to avail of all legal remedies to ensure that those who fooled and robbed me in Okada Manila be sent to jail for their lies, deceit and usurping operational control.” 


Asia News Sponsor
Premium+ Connections
 
Premium

Lynon

 
Premium

PIN-UP Partners

 
Premium

Galaxsys

 
Premium

Revsharks

 
Premium

1xBet Partners

 
Premium

Digitain

 
Premium

RISK

 
Premium

GammaStack

 
Premium

Sport Generate

 
Premium

Imagine Live

 
Premium Connections
Consultancy

SCCG Management

Executive Profiles
Zeal Network SE

Stefan Tweraser

VIP Play

Les Ottolenghi

Scientific Games

Keshav Pitani

Social & App

Spribe CEO exclusive: Simplicity is the foundation

Spribe CEO David Natroshvili speaks to Gambling Insider abou...

Redefining iGaming: A history of crash games

Crash games is a growing vertical that has taken gambling by...

A certain something: What makes crash games special?

Crash games. They’re simple, they’re easy to learn and,...

Smarter innovation to shape the future

Spribe CCO Giorgi Tsutskiridze discusses the past, present a...

Facing Facts: The corner of quarterly contemplation

With Q1 reports out across the industry, Gambling Insider co...

Taking Stock: A guide to key stock prices across the industry

Gambling Insider tracks prices from some of the industry’s...

15 years of Gambling Insider: From the Founders

Over the last 15 years, Gambling Insider magazine has interv...

15 years of Gambling Insider: The Awards over time

Global Gaming Awards Event Manager Mariya Savova gives us he...