The Quezon City Council issued this statement in order to clarify certain matters regarding the Proposed Ordinance No. 20CC-247, also known as the Quezon City Gambling Regulatory Ordinance of 2017.
On Oct. 16, 2017, a paid advertisement alleged that the Quezon City Gambling Regulatory Ordinance of 2017 has already passed and its sole purpose is to allow the entry of Bloomberry’s project; and that said planned “casino-hotel” will destroy the city’s sanctity as a major education hub.
For the information of the general public, the City Council has not received any application from Bloomberry or any gaming industry operator signifying their intention to establish a casino in Quezon City. Notwithstanding, it is a fact that there are more or less 66 e-games and e-bingo establishments currently operating in the city through their respective licenses to operate issued by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). In addition, there are other gambling establishments operating in Quezon City, such as off-track betting, online sports betting and even STL, which are not sanctioned by regulation of the city government.
For these reasons, the Quezon City Council deemed it fit to cover as many gambling activities as possible that are being allowed by the national government to operate, through the Quezon City Gambling Regulatory Ordinance of 2017. This proposed ordinance specifically laid down tedious requirements and conditions before these games of chance covering e-bingo, off-track betting, online sports betting, casinos, e-games, and small town lottery (STL) etc., will be allowed to operate in the city.
It also introduces proactive measures that prevent the negative effects of gambling on the health and welfare of residents, which includes expanding the list of excluded and banned personalities from entering any gambling establishment; providing for a mandatory responsible gambling fee from QC residents for every consecutive period of 24 hours spent in a gambling establishment; requiring the conduct of information and education campaigns to prevent problem gambling and creating a 24/7 Help Hotline to assist problem gamblers.
Clearly, the proposed ordinance seeks to protect the welfare of its inhabitants from the adverse impact of gambling, wherein, various news reports already showed on how severe gambling addiction can result in the deterioration of family and social relationships, heavy indebtedness, and other mental problems.
Keeping in mind that all stakeholders are relevant players in governance, the City Council conducted a series of public hearings that were attended by the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, barangay officials, homeowners associations, the private schools teachers association, student leaders, representatives of various religious groups, media personnel, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. execs and different operators of existing gaming establishments to solicit their suggestions and recommendations. To date, only the groups from e-bingo, e-games, and PAGCOR officially registered their opposition to such strict regulations being proposed by the Quezon City Council.
Although the proposed ordinance has been passed on Second Reading during the 45th Regular Session of the City Council that was held on Oct. 2, 2017, the City Council would like to assure the public that the Quezon City Gambling Regulatory Ordinance of 2017, is still subject to further deliberation before its approval by the majority of the members of the council under the Third and Final reading. This is consistent with its earnest desire to protect the people of Quezon City, especially those who belong to the vulnerable sector of the community against the ill effects of gambling. – Councilor Ivy Xenia L. Lagman, chairperson, committee on games and amusements, 9884242 loc. 8251 and 8252.