Duterte lifts moratorium on new casinos, PAGCOR chief says

President Rodrigo Duterte has lifted a three-year-old ban on the entry of new casinos in the country, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman Andrea Domingo confirmed on Friday.

“He (Duterte) announced it in public so that is now the current policy,” Domingo told GMA News Online.

The PAGCOR chair was referring to Duterte’s announcement, on Thursday, that he will now allow the establishment of casinos in Boracay “because the government is running out of funds.”

“He (Duterte) said he will allow casinos in Boracay,” Domingo said.

In February 2018, Duterte ordered a halt on the entry and creation of new casinos in the Philippines to prevent an oversupply.

The President, also in 2018, criticized officials of  Nayong Pilipino Foundation for granting a gambling franchise, adding that he will not allow more casinos "outside of what is existing."

Last July, the President said he was in favor of raising government funds from Philippine Offshore Gaming Corporations(POGO) and casinos.—AOL, GMA News