ONLINE gambling establishments in Pasig City have been given a year to “pack up and leave” following the recent passage of a local ordinance.

On Twitter, Mayor Vico Sotto uploaded photos of Ordinance No. 55, series of 2022, disclosing that operations and applications to operate online gambling are no longer allowed in the city.

“Existing online gambling establishments in Pasig have one year (2023) to wind up operations. New ones, including Pogos [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators], will not be granted permits,” Sotto wrote.

As per the new ordinance, legally established gambling establishments with approved permits can renew their licenses until December 31, 2023.

The ordinance bans operations, applications, and approval of licenses to operate online games of chance in the city, including online casinos, e-games, online sabong (cockfighting), e-bingo outlets, online poker, and computer gaming stations.

“Any person, natural or juridical, who is found liable for violating this Ordinance shall be fined in the amount of P5,000 or (an) imprisonment for a period of one year, or both in the discretion of the court,” the ordinance reads.

Through this move, the local government intends to provide the “best environment” to its resident.

“The City Government of Pasig is one with the parents, school officials, and other concerned residents in the desire to give the best environment to its citizens [and] for the safety as well as security of those living in the city,” the ordinance stated.

Meanwhile, Sotto expressed frustrations on alleged bribes during the renewal season of these gambling establishments.

“I take it as a personal insult when there are ‘alleged’ offers of bribes every permit renewal season. Kung lehitimo ba’t kailangan nang lagay-lagay (I take it as a personal insult when there are ‘alleged’ offers of bribes every permit renewal season. Why bribe if it’s legitimate)?” he said.

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Arlene Rivera