The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has agreed to a compromise with online gambling firms that will allow them to relocate into PEZA-accredited buildings provided they adhere to strict new rules.
According to PhilStar, PEZA director general Charito Plaza said will now allow online gambling firms in PEZA-accredited buildings and sites if they have secured a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).
It follows a warning issued by PEZA last month that building owners would have their accreditation removed if they allowed online gaming on their premises.
“Now it is already the decision of the building owners, they have the last say. They will ask us permit to locate if they are willing to host this online gambling locators but no incentives from us. We will give them permit to locate in our PEZA accredited buildings provided they fall under Executive Order 13 as the legal entities to operate online gambling,” Plaza said.
“It’s already a good compromise because of course we want to support the program of the President, especially when what he is really after is the social funds which Pagcor provides. 70% of their income accordingly goes to the social fund of the President.
Executive Order (EO) 13 signed by Duterte last May directed the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to intensify the fight against illegal gambling. It likewise recognized Pagcor, CEZA, and APECO as authorized to operate gambling facilities or give licenses to operators.
Executive Order 13 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May which instructed the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to intensify the fight against illegal gambling. It also authorized Pagcor, CEZA, and APECO to operate gambling facilities and to issue licenses to operators.