Transcript of Interview of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

On Hacienda Luisita

Q: Sir, magco-conduct po ba ng Senate inquiry kaugnay po ng issue sa Hacienda Luisita?

SP: Kung mayroong magpa-file ng Resolution. Hintayin natin.

On the Privatization of PAGCOR

Q: Sir, payag po ba kayo na i-privatize o bilhin 'yung PAGCOR?

SP: Ako, I'm in favor pero iba ang dapat na konsepto noon. They have to separate the regulatory function because that is government and the operation must be privatized. It will be more manageable if the government is not involved in the winning or losing in the business. It regulates, gets its taxes, and gets its share of the outcome of the operation. Mayroon na akong draft diyan, 'yung following the Reno Model.

Q: Sir, dapat bang i-consider ng government 'yung offer ni Ramon Ang na $10 billion for privatization?

SP: Kung gusto nilang i-privatize, kailangang pag-aralan ng mabuti 'yan.

Q: Makakatulong daw 'yon para maging 'Tiger Economy' ang ating bansa according to Mr. Ang.

SP: That's correct. You know, that could be a catalyst for tourism. In fact, PAGCOR is a very potent weapon to attract tourism in the country, if we are enlightened enough to use that instrument. Not Manila area, but the periphery.

Q: Sir, may legal problems po ba 'yung privatization? Do you have to give a new franchise to PAGCOR?

SP: No. We just have to change the Charter. Create a regulatory body and leave or spin over the assets of PAGCOR in exchange for shares of stock, let the shares of stock be sold, and make PAGCOR the regulatory body. Mechanics na lang 'yun kung marunong sa corporation law 'yung mga hahawak.

Q: Maganda pa rin ba kung monopoly, sir, or hahatiin ang Pilipinas by regions?

SP: Let them compete for the entire country.

Q: Sir, agree po kayo sa valuation niya (Ramon Ang) na $10 billion?

SP: Hindi lang naman Pilipino ang maglalaro noon. Kakaunti lang ang mga Pilipinong naglalaro niyan, marami foreigners. That will attract foreign investment here and foreign tourists too.

Q: Pero, sir, dadaan pa rin sa bidding 'yang privatization?

SP: Syempre.

Q: Pwede po bang option na EO na lang, maglabas ng Executive Order si President Noy instead of amending the Charter of PAGCOR?

SP: No, you cannot. It has to be done by law.

Q: Sir, 'yung SDO ba legal 'yon? 'Yung coming up with the new deal instead...?

SP: I don't know. I do not deal with issues if I have not studied it very well.