Baguio claims area over e-games; wants legal gambling out

BAGUIO CITY   The stop of operations of an electronic games (e-games) outlet along Marcos Highway here is now the hands of the mayor following an order from the city council last Monday.

Former police officer and now Councilor Roberto Ortega urged local legislators to close the allegedly illegal operation of the e-games joint.

The city government said the e-games outlet in question, which was accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), was located in Baguio City   contrary to claims that it is in the town of Tuba in Benguet.

Tuba Mayor Florencio Bentrez said the e-games joint was not a casino but a legal venture, as its operation was approved by the town officials.

Baguio City has a policy against casino operations, backed by church-led campaigns.

In June, the city council approved a resolution requesting Pagcor to cancel the license it issued to the said e-games outlet by virtue of a permit earlier issued by the municipal government of Tuba. 

Baguio officials claimed that the e-games station falls within the “economic jurisdiction” of the city, based on the tax declaration of land and building owners Ricardo and Emilia Valerio.

The city council cited the complaint of the barangay council of Santo Tomas Proper that some business establishments operating within the jurisdiction of the village were issued business permits by Tuba.