Groups push casino, legal gambling in Baguio City

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – Establishment of a casino or any form of legalized gambling is now being pushed here to entertain foreign and local tourists who frequent the city.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan bared this saying some sectors revived the idea of operating anew a casino in the city but this should first be decided by the people.

The operation of entertainment or gaming complex to some sectors is one way of maximizing the tourism industry in the city which can bring financial benefit to the local economy, an idea debated by moralists groups. 

“Personally, I am against any form of gambling and my stand in this issue is to let the people decide whether they like it or not, this should be subjected to a public hearing so we can get the sentiments of the people of Baguio,” Domogan said.

However, the mayor noted the absence of an ordinance prohibiting the establishment of a casino in the city and stating the existing national law allowing PAGCOR to grant franchises to any interested entrepreneur to operate either sweepstakes, lotto, bingo, casino and the like within the country.

Pagcor however is required to secure from local government units, a Certificate of No Objection prior to its establishment of a gaming complex. 

Baguio Casino was earlier operated at the former Pines Hotel exclusively for tourists despite strong opposition by the city government then on its operation until the building was gutted by fire.

It was reopened at the former Hyatt Terraces Hotel but was destroyed during the 1990 killer earthquake and since then was not re-established.

As per records, the city government is entitled to 3% share from the gross earnings from the operation of the Baguio Casino exclusively for developmental projects.

In 2003, the operation of a casino within Camp John Hay upon the request of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) was passed and approved subject to the condition that only tourists and members of Camp John Hay would be allowed to enter and participate in gaming activities inside the complex.

The same was however repealed in City Resolution Number 131 series of 2009 after concerned groups publicly reiterated their opposition.

Domogan said, “despite disallowing the operation of a casino in the city, people still go to other places to play which boils down to values.”

The mayor noted strengthening character formation in the home, the schools, the church and media in educating residents against the evils of gambling will be the best defence against these vices. 

Recently, the mayor ordered the Baguio City Police Office to stop all kinds of illegal gambling in the city including those in the guise of fund-raising activities and close-down lotto and E-Bingo outlets which do not have the pertinent business permits.

Authorities also encouraged residents to report any illegal gambling activity being operated within the city for proper action to strengthen the anti-illegal gambling drive of the city government.