Labella sustains Rama's veto on Internet casino

CEBU, Philippines - The chairman of the committee on laws, ordinances, public accountability and good government of the Cebu City Council has sustained Mayor Michael Rama’s veto on an earlier resolution granting the operation of an internet casino station in Barangay Kasambagan.

Councilor Edgardo Labella said Rama has legal basis in disapproving council resolution no. 12-2383-2011 dated March 18, 2011 that grants Queen City E-Gaming Corporation the authority to operate an internet casino station at the Paseo Phase 2 in sitio Panagdait, Barangay Kasambagan.

Labella recommended for the withdrawal of the resolution as it contradicts City Ordinance no. 1860.

City Ordinance No. 1860 states that, “it is unlawful to install, establish and operate internet casino gaming on internet cafés and other similar establishments within the city’s territorial jurisdiction.”

As defined in Section 2 of the city ordinance, internet casino gaming refers to an internet-based game of chance program installed, established and or operated for betting purposes by internet cafés and other similar business establishments.

Labella said that it is what the Queen City E-gaming Corporation proposes to operate in its Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation-accredited internet casino.

“The Resolution No. 12-2383-2011, dated March 18, 2011, of this body is, therefore invalid,” Labella said.

The City Council approved in March the Queen City E-gaming Corporation’s application to operate an internet casino.

The corporation is among the more than 180 bingo parlors and e-games internet cafés that the Pagcor operates in major cities across the country.

Councilor Raul Alcoseba recommended the approval of the application of Queen City E-gaming Corporation being the chairman of the committee on games, amusements and sports.

The corporation also has a certificate to operate from Pagcor.

However, Rama said the certificate to operate from Pagcor has limitations. (FREEMAN)