Casino license cancellation seen

The provisional gaming license issued to Landing Resorts Phil. Development Corp, (LRPDC) will likely face cancellation, the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said on Saturday.

In a statement, PAGCOR said among the conditions imposed in the provisional license it issued to LRPDC is the firm’s compliance with all legal requirements and existing limitations of government.

The state-run gaming agency said that conditions “including the presence of a valid lease contract between the parties concerned for the establishment of a Filipino heritage theme-park cum integrated resort-casino in Entertainment City.”

PAGCOR made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte fired last Tuesday the entire board of the Nayong Filipino Foundation (NFP) for approving a lease contract that is “grossly disadvantageous” to the government.

Aside from the contract being questionable, Duterte was angered that the deal would include the construction of a new casino.

“I will not allow it. I hate gambling. I do not want it,” Duterte said.

Malacanang announced the sacking of the NFP board the on the same day of the ground-breaking for a $1.5-billion integrated resort and casino on the foundation’s property, with the board in attendance.

“Being an agency under the Office of the President, PAGCOR reaffirms its commitment and readiness to support the policies and pronouncements of the President pertaining to the country’s gaming industry,” the statement said.

It added that as a regulator PAGCOR is duty-bound to ensure adherence to all gaming regulations, balancing such mandate with its responsibility to increase government revenues and safeguard the best interests of the people.