Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

74

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: REP. RAUL V. DEL MAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The attached bill seeks to expressly exclude jai-alai games from the franchised
activities of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) by an
express amendment of Presidential Decree No. 1869, the PAGCOR charter.

The basic principle, conceded by all legislators, is that the permit or franchise for
the operation and regulation of any form of gambling is a legislative prerogative, In other
words, gambling — in this instance jai-alai — being a prohibited activity can only allowed
by clear and express provision of law.

The proposed legislation will settle with finality the issue of authority of
PAGCOR to operate and manage jai-alai games. This, in view of the recent judicial
ruling that PAGCOR is vested with power to operate jai-alai games, a ruling arrived at
when the issue was raised before the Court for the third time, a ruling marked by strong
disagreements between and among the members of the Highest court.

The issue of jai-alai is not merely and simply a legal issue; it involves peace and
order, public policy and public morals. We cannot quibble about this. As all Cebuanos
know only too well, the pernicious gambling activity called MASIAO ~ the illegal
numbers game in the Visayas and Mindanao — is rooted in jai-alai. MASIAO is hitched
to ~ and thrives on — the three number winning combination that results from what is
known as the special lave in professional jai-alai games. With Masiao in the streets
because of jai-alai, Cebu would have to contend with criminal activities, the shady
dealings and the dubious characters that MASIAO is sure to bring. It happened in the
past when jai-alai was around; it will happen again the moment jai-alai is back — unless
jai-alai games are totally stopped by this august body.


This is consistent with the strong policy of the President that ~ exercising her
power of control over all executive offices - she is against the resumption of jai-alai
operations by PAGCOR and the proliferation of any form of gambling. Needless to say,
the quick response of the President clearly indicates the sincerity and passion with which
she wages her war against the proliferation of gambling and other vices and affirms her
confidence in the unstinting moral crusade of the people of the Visayas against MASIAO
and the ill effects and deeds it breeds. It gives us the assurance needed to push for the
most restrictive reforms in the area of gambling.

In this light, approval of the Bill is strongly requested.

KE DEL MAR


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

74

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by : REP. RAUL V. DEL MAR

AN ACT
AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1869, EXPRESSLY EXCLUDING
JAI-ALAI GAMES FROM THE FRANCHISED ACTIVITIES OF THE
PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress Assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 1(b) of Presidential Decree No. 1869 is hereby amended to
read as follows:
“(b) To establish and operate clubs and casinos, for amusement
, sports gaming pools (basketball, football, lotteries, etc.)
and such other forms of amusement and recreation including games of

and recreati

chance, except jal-alal, which may be allowed by law within the
territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines and which will : (1) generate
sources of additional revenue to fund infrastructure and socio-civic
projects, such as flood control programs, beautification, sewerage and
sewage projects, Tulungan ng Bayan Centers, Nutrition Programs,
population Control and such other essential public services; (2) create
recreation and integrated facilities which will expand and improve the
country’s existing tourist attractions; and (3) minimize, if not totally
eradicate, the evils, malpractices and corruptions that are normally
prevalent in the conduct and operation of gambling clubs and casinos
without direct government involvement.”


SEC. 2, Section 10 Presidential Decree No. 1869 is likewise amended to read as
follows:
“Sec, 10, Nature and term of franchise — Subject to the terms and
conditions established in this Decree, the Corporation is hereby granted

for a period of twenty-five (25) years, the rights, privileges and authority

to operate and maintain gambling casinos, clubs, and other recreation or

amusement places, sports, gaming pools, i. basketball, football,

lotteries, etc, EXCEPT JAI ALAI, whether on land or sea, within the
territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines”.

SEC.3. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
rules and regulations and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified.

SEC. 4, Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in any two newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,