Kazuo Okada, the founder of Okada Manila, has refuted allegations of leading an “illegal and violent invasion” of the resort. He plans to file a lawsuit against Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment (TRLEI) director Hajime Tokuda for his actions during the dispute. Okada’s statement comes after TRLEI announced its intention to file criminal charges against him and others for allegedly forcefully entering and occupying Okada Manila. Okada, who previously held key positions within TRLEI, was removed in 2017 due to financial misconduct but was reinstated by a status quo ante order from the Philippines Supreme Court earlier this year.
Dispute at Okada Manila:
According to Okada’s statement, he and his team, including vice-chairman Dindo Epeleta, court enforcement officers, officials from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and police officers, visited Okada Manila to enforce the Supreme Court’s order. Negotiations took place with Hajime Tokuda. Okada clarified that there were no slanderous or violent acts during the negotiations, but Tokuda’s lawyers intentionally created a perception of violence by shouting. When Tokuda and his associates refused to leave the premises, Okada claimed he was removed and driven home. He asserted that the entire dispute was captured by surveillance cameras at Okada Manila.
Legal Action and Allegations:
Okada stated his intention to file a lawsuit against Tokuda for actions that he believes violate the Supreme Court’s order. He vehemently denied allegations of bribery, which he stated had surfaced online rather than coming from TRLEI management. Okada reassured the public that he would continue to make fair and honest claims and do the right thing.
Implications and Delayed Listing:
The parent company of TRLEI, Universal Entertainment Corporation, recently announced a three-month delay in TRLEI’s listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The ongoing dispute and legal issues involving Kazuo Okada and TRLEI may have contributed to this delay.
Kazuo Okada’s denial of the allegations leveled against him and his plan to file a lawsuit against TRLEI director Hajime Tokuda highlight the ongoing dispute surrounding Okada Manila. Okada maintains that he and his team acted in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order and that the allegations of violence are unfounded. The legal battle between Okada and TRLEI continues to unfold, impacting the company’s operations and its planned listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange.