Raul Rambino, CEO and manager of the Kagayan Economic Zone, said more than 80% of the company’s income stems from “illegal” gambling operations, according to Raffler’s media.
Mr Rambino told a news conference that revenues are generated by CEZA-approved offshore and online operators, but operate outside CEZA’s jurisdiction, who are in charge of judicial administration within the borders of Santa Ana in Cagayan state. Therefore, the aforementioned operators have permission to operate, but they do not have the appropriate permission.
Earlier this year, to be exact, current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed the so-called Executive Order 13 on February 2 to fight against illegal gambling.
President Duterte has called on all regulators and law enforcement to join forces to eradicate illegal gambling operations that have a negative impact on spreading law-abiding gambling operators. Mr Duterte also clearly pointed out the actual authority and responsibility for legal bodies such as CEZA.
In addition, Duterte indicted former CEZA administrator Jose Marie Pons in January on bribery charges, which Duterte accused a former official of embezzling 300 billion won.
Mr Lambino pointed out that most illegal licensees are targeting markets for Makati, Clark Freeport, Manila and Mandaluyong. The administrator explained that CEZA would open its accounting books for investigation and slap the wrong people on the wrist. He added that the company would first warn operators who were on the wrong side of the law. Game sites operating outside CEZA’s jurisdiction must be licensed by the Philippine Game Association (PAGCOR).
Duterte’s implementation of the order will bring only CEZA revenues without hurting the country’s economy itself, with more than 80% of revenue estimated to be derived by online or offshore game operators operating elsewhere in Santa Ana, with the company’s revenues expected to drop significantly over the next three years.바카라사이트
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is appointed by the government to manage and control the development of the Cagayan Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP). For the gaming industry, it is within the authority of CEZA to issue or revoke licenses to gambling operators, but legally online operators with CEZA licenses cannot accept bets made by Filipinos.