Jack Lam blacklisted over illegal casino

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese gaming mogul Jack Lam has been blacklisted by the government over his alleged illegal online casino in Clark Field, Pampanga.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II revealed this yesterday after finding that Lam’s Fontana Casino did not have a permit from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) – contrary to a recent claim by Lam’s lawyer Raymond Fortun.

“Presently, he is blacklisted, which means he will not be allowed to return to the country,” Aguirre said.

Apart from being blacklisted, Lam would also be arrested once he returns to the country on standing orders from President Duterte, Aguirre stressed.

Earlier this week, the Department of Justice issued a lookout bulletin order against Lam and also ordered the cancellation of his investor’s visa. 

The casino junket tycoon flew to Hong Kong last Nov. 29, a few days before the President ordered his warrantless arrest for continuing crimes of economic sabotage and harboring of illegal aliens and after Aguirre revealed an attempt by Lam’s camp to bribe Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chair Andrea Domingo.

Aguirre said he expects criminal charges to be filed against Lam by the Bureau of Immigration or National Bureau of Investigation soon. 

Aguirre, however, said there could still be a way out for Lam as the blacklist and arrest order against him could be temporary.

He said Lam could still be allowed to return to the country and continue his businesses here as arrangements are now underway.

Aguirre said Lam has sent an emissary who said the Hong Kong-based tycoon would be willing to settle his deficiencies with the government and abide by its laws this time.

“He is going to pay taxes or liabilities and increase them to 10 percent instead of just one percent. He will also apply for new license with Pagcor this time,” Aguirre said.

“If there will be an agreement on the amount to be paid, then he might be allowed to continue his investments here,” he added.

Aguirre earlier confirmed Lam’s online casino in Fontana, which was temporarily shut down, had no valid permits from any government agency. 

“CEZA has not authorized any of its operators to set up office or any of their operations in the Clark Freeport. It is very apparent that some foreigners are violating our laws,” he said.

Aguirre said the CEZA has also not issued working visa to any of the 1,316 Chinese nationals who were arrested inside Lam’s Fontana Leisure and Casino Park.

Some 600 of them have posted bail amounting to P50,000 each for temporary liberty, while about 100 who have no travel documents would be deported back to China.