The Vice-Mayor of Quezon City, Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, has warned that Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR could lose its authority over local government should it lose a looming Supreme Court challenge to a city ordinance aimed at regulating gambling activities.
City Ordinance 2773-201, which has now been officially approved by the Quezon City Council, includes a range of measures aimed at limiting access to gambling by locals, most notably via a Php1,500 (US$29) casino entry fee.
Locals will also have to pay Php500 to play at an eGames outlet or Php100 at an eBingo hall, with a Gambling Regulatory Advisory Council to be established to approve permits, monitor operations and enforce regulations.
However, PAGCOR chair Andrea Domingo has threatened to block implementation of the ordinance via a temporary restraining order, claiming a Presidential Decree gives the gaming regulator ultimate authority nationwide.
In an interview with BusinessWorld over the weekend, Belmonte warned that any such action could have far greater implications for PAGCOR.
“Ifthe Supreme Court rules in favor of the local government, then that is a victory for all local governments because that means all local governments can now regulate in their respective jurisdictions,” Belmonte said, adding that she would prefer to work together with PAGCOR on the “welfare aspect” of the ordinance.
Although Belmonte revealed she does not know when PAGCOR plans to file its temporary restraining order, she said the city will push ahead with the ordinance with the goal of implementing it once she takes over as Mayor on 30 June.
“I think what we have to do is write the implementing rules and regulations and that is the task of the executive department. And the executive hasn’t written the implementing rules and regulations yet, so I think it’s on me, it will be implemented during my term,” she said.
