The government is temporarily halting the establishment of new casinos in the country since President Duterte believes there are enough casinos for now, according to a Palace official.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque affirmed that the President prefers to see the operations of the existing casinos before allowing the entry of new gambling sites.
“Wala po akong additional na detalye other than nagdesisyon na ang Presidente na tama na muna ang mga casinos kasi hindi pa naman po fully realizing potentials ang Entertainment City,” Roque said in a recent Palace press briefing.
“Siguro ang nais munang makita ng Presidente kung paano ang magiging operasyon niyan, kung kinakailangan bang magpatayo ng bago,” he said.
“Pero ngayon po, dahil dambuhala iyang mga casino na iyan, ay mag-moratorium na muna tayo sa mga bagong dambuhalang mga casinos,” he added.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairperson Andrea Domingo had earlier said they would no longer approve new casino applications after the President observed the proliferation of gambling places across the country. Domingo said the President directed Pagcor to “freeze” the entry of new casinos. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)