Legal Proceedings Advance in Philippine Court for Accusations of Forceful Tactics by Okada
Spilling the Tea on Okada's Legal Woes
scandal between the billionaire founder of Okada Manila Casino Resort, Kazuo Okada, and the resort's operator, Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc (TRLEI), is heating up in the Philippine courts. Judge Hon. Placido O. Garcia III shunned Okada's plea to wave grave coercion charges, marking a significant step forward in the legal battle.
Court Dismisses Okada's Motion, Grave Coercion Case Progresses
Following the October 18 court ruling, judge Garcia III stated, "The information presented in this case is sufficient in regards to the offense charged and the alleged conspiracy between the accused in committing the offense." This decision paves the way for the lawsuit against Okada and his associates, Tonyboy Cojuangco, Dindo Espeleta, and lawyer Binky Herrera, who forcibly seized control of Okada Manila Casino Resort in May 2022.
A total of three elements of grave coercion, as defined by Philippine law, are covered in this lawsuit.
Subsequently, Kazuo Okada was apprehended by Philippine authorities upon his arrival at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Japan on October 24. Preliminary hearings related to the grave coercion case are scheduled for October 28.
A Timeline of Events: Okada's Takeover and its Aftermath
On May 31, 2022, Okada and his associates stormed the Okada Manila Casino Resort with 50 guards and policemen, backed by a status quo ante order (SQAO) issued by the Philippine Supreme Court. Their interpretation of the SQAO required the TRLEI board of directors to revert to its previous 2017 composition, evicting the legitimate board from the property.
In response, Tiger Resort Asia Limited (TRAL), which owns 99% of TRLEI, filed a motion for clarification challenging the violent takeover by Okada and his group. Universal Entertainment Corp (UEC), the legal owner of TRAL, petitioned the Philippines Supreme Court to rescind the SQOA.
In due course, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) intervened and issued an order for Okada and his allies to cede control of the resort back to its rightful owner, TRAL. The legal tussle culminated in TRAL reclaiming control of the resort at the beginning of September, with the ousted board of directors being reinstated.
All these legal maneuvers and arrests reflect the continuously evolving situation surrounding Kazuo Okada's involvement with the Okada Manila Casino Resort.
Additional Insight:
- Indictment: In 2022, a Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors indicted Kazuo Okada and three others for grave coercion stemming from the Okada Manila takeover.[1]
- Arrest: By mid-2025, Okada was apprehended by authorities due to a series of grave coercion charges lodged by former business partners and executives.[2]
- The information presented regarding Okada's case is considered sufficient to proceed with the charges of grave coercion, as confirmed by Judge Hon. Placido O. Garcia III.
- The initial takeover of Okada Manila Casino Resort by Okada and his associates involved 50 guards and policemen, a status quo ante order (SQAO), and the eviction of the legitimate board from the property.
- In the aftermath of the takeover, Tiger Resort Asia Limited (TRAL) and Universal Entertainment Corp (UEC) each filed motions for clarification and a petition to rescind the SQAO.
- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) intervened, issuing an order for Okada and his allies to cede control of the resort back to TRAL, leading to TRAL reclaiming control in September.
- The future developments in Okada's legal battles, involving charges of grave coercion and other financial and political implications, continue to draw attention in Philippine courts and news outlets, particularly under the categories of general-news and crime-and-justice.
