Due to the executive order issued by the President of the Philippines being interpreted as having multiple loopholes, senators are trying to further push the process of the anti-online gambling bill to fundamentally eradicate the online gambling industry!
Senator Risa Hontiveros said: Although I commend the goals of the executive order (EO) that bans Philippine offshore gaming operations (Pogos), and appreciate the reintegration programs provided for displaced workers, there are still some unclear aspects in the executive order.
Firstly, it seems that casinos operated and licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) are not exempted. According to Section 1b, the definition of the online gambling industry covered by the ban "does not include online gambling games conducted in casinos operated by the Philippine gaming corporation, licensed casinos, or integrated resorts with intermediary agreements."
Does this mean you can operate Pogo in casinos like City of Dreams? Like Fontana? Or even in resorts with casinos?
Secondly, I am unclear whether the ban covers the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) and other economic zones. It indicates in the definition of other offshore gaming licenses that they are "authorized under their respective charters and are subject to the supervision and/or jurisdiction of the Philippine gaming corporation."
Ceza and the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (Apeco) are not under the regulation and jurisdiction of Pagcor.
This just emphasizes that we need a clear law to advance a meaningful, explicit, and comprehensive ban.
The 2024 Anti-Online Gambling Bill has been submitted to the Senate, and I will ensure to fill the gaps and loopholes during the questioning and amendment phases.
