BAGUIO CITY – The city council last Monday requested Mayor Mauricio Domogan to immediately close the electronic games (e-games) outlet operating along Marcos Highway.
The body approved the suggestion of Councilor Roberto Ortega to directly ask the mayor to undertake the clampdown to ensure fast action on the concern instead of inviting more resource persons to seek clarification which will just lengthen the process.
The city government maintained that the location where the approved e-games joint presently operates on the strength of the Tuba town government’s permit is within the city’s jurisdiction.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan earlier said he had advised Tuba mayor Florencio Bentrez to cause the relocation of the outlet to address the concern of the city.
Baguio has a long standing policy against casino operation prodded by massive church-led campaigns and e-games is known to offer casino-style online gambling.
Last June, the city council approved a resolution requesting the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to cancel the license it issued to the said e-games outlet by virtue of the permit issued by the Tuba town.
The body said that upon verification with the city assessor’s office, it was discovered that the station falls within the “economic jurisdiction” of the city as per tax declaration of land and building owners Sps. Ricardo and Emilia Valerio.
The aldermen also cited the complaint of the barangay council of Santo Tomas Proper that some of the business establishments operating within the jurisdiction of the barangay have been issued business permits by the Tuba municipality.
The city’s anti-casino measures include Resolution No. 236 series of 1991 entitled “A Resolution opposing the return of casino to Baguio or the establishment of a new one under any other form or guise,” Resolution No. 122-02 entitled “Expressing the Sentiment of the People of Baguio and the Policy of the City Government against Gambling…” and Resolution No. 446 series of 2008 “Vigorously opposing the establishment of a casino or the conduct of a gambling activities at Camp John Hay and anywhere in the city./A Refuerzo
