Council withdraws order approving e-games operations

AT LEAST they agreed on this one.

The Cebu City Council recalled a resolution which authorized the operation of a Pagcor Internet casino operation after Mayor Michael Rama reminded the  body that it was prohibited and contrary to an existing city ordinance.

City Ordinance No. 1860 “declares the installation, establishment and/or operation of Internet casino gaming in Internet cafes and other similar establishments within the political jurisdiction to be unlawful.”

The city council passed on March 18, 2011 a resolution which approved  the application of Queen City E-Gaming Corporation to operate an Internet Casino station at Paseo Phase 2 in Panagdait, Cebu City provided that they would secure and pay the fees required by the City Treasurer’s Office.

A letter from Rama dated April 8 reminded the council that the resolution was contrary to an existing ordinance.

“There is merit in the Honorable Mayor’s objection to this Body’s approval of the application of Queen City E-Gaming Corporation to operate an internet casino station within the political jurisdiction of the City of Cebu,” said a report by the committee on laws headed by councilor Edgar Labella which reviewed the mayor’s  letter.

Section 2 of City Ordinance 1860 describes Internet casino gaming as an game of chance program installed, established and/or operated for betting purposes by Internet cafes and other similar business establishments.

The council approved the committee recommendation to  declare as invalid and withdraw the earlier resolution on the granting of operations of an Internet casino./Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac