‘Report malicious, it was not a casino’

MANILA, Philippines - Land Transportation Office chief Virginia Torres denied wrongdoing yesterday and said she was ready to be investigated.

Torres said the video – taken in a place showing rows of slot machines, with ringing music in the background – was “done with malice.”

She told the House appropriations committee that the place where the video was taken was not a casino, but she did not say what or where it was.

Torres had to make a denial yesterday before the House committee after Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon – reacting to her arriving late for the hearing – asked her if she had just come from gambling.

“No, I was just outside (the room),” she retorted.

Later, she said, “I’m requesting the DOTC to investigate. I am thankful it was not considered a casino.”

Malacañang Memorandum Circular No. 8 bans public servants “from entering or playing” in casinos.