Arroyo asked to restrict operations of Pagcor in Manila
02/08/2009 A senior official of the Manila City Council yesterday called on President Arroyo and Congress to immediately direct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to stop the unrestricted opening of electronic gambling outlets all over the capital city as it will certainly cause irreparable damage to the moral values of residents and the youth. City council president Pro Tempore Ernesto Rivera made the appeal after confirming that aside from bingo outlets in malls and supermarkets all over the city, Pagcor has allowed private individuals and corporations to operate so-called “E-Games” outlets in various neighborhoods. “Because of the unrestricted operations of Pagcor there is now a serious threat to Manila becoming a city of gamblers as these “E-Games” outlets are now close to their doorsteps,” Rivera pointed out. Aside from the existing 23 electronic games outlets, Rivera also expressed alarm over the latest move of Pagcor in allowing the opening of “poker game” outlets in key areas in Manila, thereby further increasing the chance of Manileños to engage in gambling activities because options are now open to them, Rivera said. Rivera warned that “if Pagcor is allowed to continue its uncontrolled expansion activities, there will come a time that Manila will have electronic and poker games outlets in all neighborhoods in the city.” The city council’s No. 2 man noted that it is incumbent upon the President to call the attention of Pagcor officials on its massive expansion of outlets because it will result in moral decadence in society. “While the government may benefit from the drastic rise in income generated by these gambling outlets, the same will cause untold miseries to families and children who may be deprived of food and education because their parents and other employed relatives maybe tempted to gamble in these outlets as these are now easily accessible,” Rivera stressed.  Back to top
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