Casino operator's parent company alleges Kazuo Okada wrongfully seized control through violent means at Okada Manila.
In the heart of the Philippines' Entertainment City, Okada Manila, a prominent casino resort, finds itself in the midst of a contentious legal dispute. The resort, operated by Tiger Resort, Leisure & Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), is currently undergoing a coup led by its founder, Kazuo Okada, who was ousted from its governance half a decade ago.
The coup, which took place on May 31, 2022, was reportedly led by Okada, along with Tonyboy Cojuangco, Dindo Espeleta, and lawyer Florencio Herrera III. The group, accompanied by around 50 private guards, police officers, and a sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Paranaque City, stormed Okada Manila.
However, TRLEI officials claim that this takeover was illegal and violent, using brute force and intimidation to compel key legitimate officers to vacate the premises. They assert that Okada and his associates are not allowing the legal process to play out, refusing to show a copy of the writ authorizing the takeover to anyone.
The dispute between Okada and TRLEI dates back to 2017 when Okada was forced out from the corporation amid numerous allegations. Okada maintains that he was wrongly removed from his company board amid a corporate coup.
The Philippine Department of Justice indicted Okada and others in 2022 and 2023 for grave coercion related to the takeover attempt of Okada Manila. The Philippine Court of Appeals has denied Okada's bid to stop the reinstatement of the board of directors of the operating company backed by PAGCOR, the Philippine gaming regulator.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines has recently ordered TRLEI to restore its board makeup to its 2017 composition, with Okada at the helm. However, the Supreme Court status quo ante order does not authorize Mr. Kazuo Okada to take over the premises of the corporation.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Okada Manila's casino and resort operations have not been disrupted. The resort is advertising an upcoming music festival and a new marketing campaign encouraging travelers to come to the resort, suggesting that it is operating as usual.
TRLEI is working to achieve a swift resolution to the trespassing and illegal takeover levied by Okado and his associates. They have appealed the high court's decision by way of an "Urgent Motion for Reconsideration."
The future governance of Okada Manila remains uncertain as two boards claim authority over the casino complex. This ongoing legal contest over corporate control and governance underscores the complexity of the situation and the ongoing efforts by the Philippine authorities and Tiger Resort to maintain control over the casino complex amidst Okada's challenge.
