Giorgidi Aggabao, a legislator in the Philippines, has recently announced that a bill was submitted to the House of Representatives. It aims at reducing the power given to the Philippines’ gaming regulator, also known as PAGCOR.
The bill in question proposes certain amendments such as limiting PAGCOR’s power and prohibiting the regulator from issuing licenses for casino operators.
According to the Republic Act 9487, which dates back from 2007, PAGCOR is eligible for issuing casino licenses and monitoring the gambling activities that take place on the territory of the Philippines until 2032.
Mr. Aggabao attached a note to the bill in order to explain that according to him, the powers of PAGCOR are more than what has been agreed. Initially, the regulator was supposed to be in charge of maintaining casinos but later more responsibilities were delegated to PAGCOR.
In addition, Mr. Aggabao claims that the licensing procedures, processed by PAGCOR are not transparent enough.
It was also mentioned in the attached note that the additional mandate of the Philippines gambling regulator has intervened with the Congressional mandate. In other words, the bill, submitted by Mr. Aggabao recommends remedying the situation and restricting PAGCOR from issuing casino licenses across the country.
What is more, the bill proposes the Congress to be in charge of supervising all activities of PAGCOR and to approve all contracts and licenses before they are put into force.
If the amendments get the nod of the House of Representatives, the responsibilities of PAGCOR will become fewer. The current regulator will be supposed to take care of “operating and maintaining” casinos and venues where gambling activities are available. The operators that are interested in becoming available on the Philippines gambling market should apply for a license and wait for an approval from the Congress members.
A number of local media tried to reach a representative of PAGCOR with the aim of receiving information about the issue but unfortunately, all attempts turned out to be unsuccessful.
However, apart from the bill proposed by Mr. Aggabao there were another two filed by members of the House of Representatives who were discontent with the powers of PAGCOR.
The issue is expected to be solved anytime soon. It was announced that a group of gambling officials will approve or reject the proposals.
Those who keep themselves informed about the Philippines gambling affairs hurried up to remind that this is not the first time when such a bill has been proposed. Back in 2012, a bill was approved by the lower chamber but the Senate members rejected it.
