Abby Binay: Makati to comply with lotto suspension but won’t revoke permits of outlets

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay. PHOTO by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – The local government of Makati said on Tuesday that it would comply with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to stop all gaming operations of lotto outlets but noted that it would not revoke all business permits and licenses.

According to Makati Mayor Abby Binay, there is “no legal basis” to revoke one’s permit not unless the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said so.

“Unfortunately, there is no legal basis for the closure, they have a valid permit, they have an existing contract with PCSO,” Binay said in an interview.

“Unless PCSO will present the contract, then PCSO writes to us… that all the lotto outlets will be closed, that’s the only time we’ll be able to revoke legally the license,” she added.

Despite this, Binay said that the Makati government would respect the directive of the President to suspend all gaming operations, including lotto outlets, small-town lottery, and other gaming activities of PCSO.

Duterte earlier ordered all gaming operations of PCSO stopped due to alleged “massive corruption” in the agency.

As of Monday, 30,284 gaming outlets were ordered shut down by authorities following the President’s directive.

READ: Over 3,000 gaming outlets shut down 

The Palace also said that the investigation on the alleged “massive corruption” within the PCSO would be swift.

READ: Duterte: Probe of corruption in PCSO to be swift