THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) withdrew the suspension on the license of Resorts World casino. Now the casino operations resumed two weeks ago. (Swerte naman nila). A gambling addict torched the casino and it resulted to the death of 28 people and caused injuries to many. Now my question is: Why can’t Pagcor lift the suspension on Fontana Casino's operations? There were deaths in Resorts World. None at Fontana.
There were thousands of workers at Resorts World who were displaced. Thousands of workers were also displaced due to the closure of Fontana. Where is justice here? The violation of Fontana, if ever was the employment of Chinese nationals without the necessary working permits. But the Fontana casino itself has no violations whatsoever, because its operations including its incomes were being monitored 24 hours by Pagcor
I am retelling in this space what I wrote several months ago. The government enters into contracts with private individuals and firms. And it should honor those contracts, because for anyone to enter into business it has to get the state's consent. And once given, after going through rigid process, the state's integrity in honoring and respecting the contracts must be upheld at all times.
It might be recalled that for several days the Fontana closure was front page stories on almost all national dailies. There was this alleged extortion against Chinese businessman Jack Lam by two associate commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration. It was a well-covered media event as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon held several hearings.
And in one of those hearings in the senate, the Pagcor sent a resource person, Arnel Ignacio a movie comedian/host who is currently employed by the government's gaming regulatory agency.
When Ignacio was asked why Jack Lam was only remitting 1% of his junket tour operation in Fontana, he replied that was called for in the contract. Now even a law student will tell you contracts are binding until amended. And how come the government is saying that Mr. Lam owes the government of several tens of millions?
In my interviews with Fontana executives, rank and file employees including some officials from Pagcor, they are one in saying that the government acted hastily in ordering the closure of the gambling casino which resulted in the displacement of workers. Up to now many are still out of job and are expecting the casino will be reopened.
The government was correct in going after the on-line gaming operation where the 1,316 Chinese were some of them were found lacking in documents. But those people caught were not part of the casino operation which has a license from Pagcor and permit from Clark Development Corporation. And both agencies monitor the casino operation 24 hours a day and get their tax shares as provided for by law. Haven't I pointed out there's a whale of difference between casino operation and on-line gambling.
I think it's about time for Pagcor to lift the suspension on Fontana casino. It is only fair.
Tweets:
+ Poor Noel Manankil. He was a victim of a false report. He only served a few months as Clark Development Corporation president and maligned by a careless whisper on Digong's ears.
+RP's population now is 104 million. Annual population increase this year is 1.6 million. We are already second to Indonesia among Asean nations in terms of population.
+ With Viagra and other Chinese macho medicines taken by men even above eighties, expect more births.