Katrina Ponce Enrile, chief executive officer of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said the authority has never faced criminal charges related to online gaming.
Speaking at the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Taguig City, Philippines, Enrile clarified that CEZA has been issuing interactive gaming licenses since 2001, not offshore gaming licenses, and therefore has never encountered any problems.
She stressed that any criminal activity observed in the gaming industry has nothing to do with CEZA.
CEZA is the first special economic zone in the Philippines to host fintech companies and explore online games, having been operating in the field for more than two decades. It is a government-owned and controlled company located in the northeastern Philippines.
Supervision of POGOs
In an earlier interview with AGbrief, Enrile said that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) regulatory efforts on POGOs have not been effective.
Enrile suggested that PAGCOR delegate the regulation of components of Philippine offshore gaming to freeports such as CEZA.
Enrile stressed that CEZA is committed to maximizing revenue and recovering lost funds.
She highlighted the agency’s strategies, which include strict monitoring of gaming activities, enhanced enforcement measures and implementation of a robust surveillance system.
Enrile said these efforts are aimed at eliminating revenue leakage and ensuring that CEZA’s licensees operate in a fair and equitable environment.
The importance of convenience
Enrile stressed the importance of a stable, transparent and accessible business environment, especially under the leadership of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.The leadership has strict instructions for the region - reduce GGR tax to 5%
