Manila dad wants spread of 'e-gambling' outlets stopped

Manila Councilor Ernesto Rivera called on President Arroyo and members of the two houses of Congress yesterday to immediately order the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to stop the unrestricted opening of electronic gambling outlets all over Manila.

Rivera made the appeal after confirming that aside from bingo outlets in malls and supermarkets all over the city, Pagcor has allowed private individuals and corporations to operate so-called “E-Games” outlets in several neighborhoods.

“Because of the unrestricted operations of Pagcor, there is now a serious threat to Manila becoming a city of gamblers as these ‘E-Games’ outlets are now close to their doorsteps,” he said.

Rivera said there are currently 23 electronic games outlets in the city.

He also expressed alarm over Pagcor’s allowing the opening of poker game outlets in several key areas in Manila.

“While the government may benefit from the drastic rise in income generated by these gambling outlets, the same will cause untold miseries to families and children who may be deprived of food and education because their parents and other employed relatives may be tempted to gamble in these outlets as these are now easily accessible,” Rivera said.

Rivera also asked senators and congressmen to amend Presidential Decrees 771, 1067, and 1869, and Republic Act 9487, which he claimed grant unlimited powers to Pagcor. – Sandy Araneta