Manila government may ban all forms of gambling

In an interview with GMA News Online, Atty. Marlon Lacson said they may still conduct another hearing on the issue but that it would also depend on their colleagues whether the ordinance will be passed.

Lacson, councilor of Manila's second district, explained that gambling operators have ignored their jurisdiction over Manila and began operations even in restricted areas.

According to the rules of the Philippine Gaming Corporation, the operators shall be required to secure a no-objection resolution from the local legislative unit if:

•The proposed site of a gambling site is located within 200 meters from schools or churches, and

•There is a local ordinance prohibiting the establishment of a bingo venue within the 200-meter radius from schools, churches, or places of worship.

Lacson said some operators did not secure a "no-objection" resolution from the city government and yet still continued to operate. He pointed that many gambling operators built establishments within the "restricted" 200-meter radius, leading to several complaints from concerned citizens.
Meanwhile, Ang explained that they have not yet passed on third reading the ordinance banning all forms of gambling because they are still hoping the PAGCOR and gambling operators will act on the matter.
 
He likewise said they were uneasy about being the first city to ban gambling totally.

Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago, vice president for PAGCOR's corporate legal services department, said they have already "initiated changes slowly." "We are actually requiring the more egames outlets to start initiating and get the letters of no-objection, not only the mayors permit," he said.
 
However, he said the local government unit will have to "respond accordingly" by expediting the process of giving the letter.