Baguio’s e-bingo proponent backs out

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Private gaming firm RCC Global Inc. has backed out from its plan to operate additional electronic bingo (e-bingo) outlets in this city.

Saying it will no longer push through with its plan, the firm wrote a letter to the city council on June 23 expressing its intent to withdraw its request for an endorsement.

Voting 9-5, the city council approved resolutions 208-2021 and 209-2021, granting the firm’s request to allow it to operate e-bingo outlets at the Cedar Peak on Mabini street and Summer Pines Residences along Marcos Highway.

A resolution containing a statement of no objection from the city or municipal council is needed in applying for a gaming site operation.

All resolutions enacted by the city council were presented for approval to Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Magalong returned the resolutions to the city council unsigned and with a marginal note that said the matter requires public consultation.

The city council conducted a public consultation on June 4, which was attended by religious groups, youth organizations and other concerned citizens at the Baguio Convention Center.

Of the 262 participants, no one favored the operation of e-bingo.

The company did not send a representative during the consultation.