Daily Tribune‘So, what we will do, in our system is to fully cancel their permits. The City is now cleared on those businesses original with PAGCOR licenses.’
As the total ban on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) intensified, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) canceled at least seven businesses in Mandaue City, Cebu engaged in electronic gaming and customer service operations.
Mandaue City’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) head lawyer August Lizer Malate disclosed to media that PAGCOR informed Mayor Glenn Bercede on the cancellation of the seven businesses.
He said that these businesses were already non-operational as validated by them during their inspection. But, still they sent notices to the establishments about the cancellation.
“So, what we will do, in our system is to fully cancel their permits. The City is now cleared on those businesses original with PAGCOR licenses,” Malate said.
However, he clarified that these seven businesses were linked to POGO as there were not operational when the areas were inspected.
He cited that the nature of the business was sportsbetting, e-casino and customer service, among others.
On 8 November, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.
The president justified the decision by emphasizing that the “State has paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”
Malate expressed suspicion that POGO operations may shifted to homes with high-speed internet connections. This raises concerns about the potential for illegal gambling activities to take place in residential areas.
