EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1863
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by:
INDEX.
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS 
BOARD AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) is the government agency tasked 
with the regulation and supervision of professional sports and allied activities to 
combat and prevent the existence and proliferation of illegal bookie joints and other 
forms of organized illegal. gambling connected with all play-for-pay sports and 
amusement games.1 It was officially established in 1951 as part of the implementation 
of a government reorganization under Executive Order No. 392.
With more than a half a century that had passed since its creation, GAB 
currently faces new technological developments and advances like off-site, online 
betting, livestreamlng and video recording of events in the various professional games 
and amusements under the mantle of its regulatory power. At the same time, it is 
confronted with the emergence of new sports such as electronic sports or ESports, 
mixed martial arts (MMA), etc., which were not at all anticipated at the time of its 
establishment. These new challenges necessitate the enactment of legislation that 
consolidates and institutionalizes the functions and duties of GAB emanating from 
various laws, decrees and issuances.
This proposed measure seeks to strengthen the GAB by providing the legal 
framework that will set forth its functions, powers and organizational structure, clear-
htlps://gab.gov.ph/


cut and reasonable standards for its licensing and permitting activities and its role in 
connection with specific sports and activities, i.e. professional sports, professional 
boxing and other contact sports, horse racing, cockfighting, jai alal and other forms 
of amusements. This bill expressly grants to GAB rule-making and quasi-judicial 
powers to accomplish its purposes and objectives and to resolve any matter, 
controversy or dispute arising from the performance of its functions and 
implementation of the law. The bill also provides for the establishment of the Athlete's 
Welfare Fund for the benefit of athletes who sustain injuries or die in the exercise of 
their profession, or in such other cases as the GAB may deem fit, and for immediate 
financial and medical assistance to deserving indigent athletes suffering from injuries 
and emergencies related to their profession.
In view of this, early passage of this bill is sought
'LITO" M. LAPID
Senator T\


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1863
7H.1E
BILLS
NDb
Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS 
BOARD AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Games and
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Amusements Board Act'.
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SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a. Boxing shall refer to the sport in which two persons fight with the use of 
their fists;
b. Cockfighting shall refer to the setting of two gamecocks to fight each other, 
commonly known as "cockfighting derby pintakasi or sabong/' or its 
equivalent terms in different Philippine iocalities;
c. Cockpit refers to the duiy authorized venue for cockfighting. Equivalent 
terms include "sabungan", "gallera", and "coliseum".
d. Cockpit Personnel refers to the persons employed by the Cockpit Operator 
for the conduct of cockfights, including but not limited to. Gaffer, Handler, 
Referee, and Pit Master.
e. Contact sports shall .refer to sports, games, or competitions, other than 
boxing and wrestling, that involve permissible degree of physical contact, 
such as, but is not limited to, punching, striking, grappling, or any other
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combat technique that is allowed under the rules, between the participants 
or opponents;
f. Fronton shall refer to the court where basque pelota games are played, 
including the adjoining structures used in connection with such games, such 
as the betting booths and galleries, totalizator equipment, and the 
grandstands where the public is admitted in connection with such games;
g. Jai-alai or basque pelota game shail refer to the pelota game and which 
shall include the use of pala, raqueta, cesta punta, remonte and mano, in 
which professlonalplayers participate;
h. Pebtari shall refer to a professional player engaged in playing basque 
pelota;
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Professional athlete shall refer to any natural person, who is paid a sum of 
money or other equivalent compensation as a salary or prize money for 
participating, either as an individual or member of a team, in a game, bout, 
tournament or contest of professional sport: Provided, however. That it 
shall .not Include those who are paid "token amounts" or its equivalent as 
salary, prize, or compensation;
j. Professional boxer or wrestler shall refer to a professional athlete engaged 
in boxing or wrestling, respectively;
k. Professional fighter shd\\ refer to a professional athlete engaged in unarmed 
contact sports, other than boxing or wrestling, such as mixed martial arts, 
thai boxing, muaythal, and kickboxing;
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Professional sports shall refer to individual or team sports, games, contest, 
bouts, tournaments or competitions, whereby the participating athletes or 
competitors are paid sums of money or other forms of compensation as 
salary or prizes. For purposes of this Act, professional sports shall refer to 
sports and allied activities under the regulation and supervision of the GAB 
pursuant to existing laws, as well as Special Armed Combat particularly


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Filipino Martial Arts, and any new and emerging professional sports in the 
country • Including competitive computer/video gaming and other 
professional racing sports.
m. Professional sporting, events/competitions/exhibitions shall refer to 
individual or team sports activities, games, contest, bouts, tournaments or 
competitions of professional sports that are conducted by any person,, entity 
or organization for profit, whereby the-participating athletes or competitors 
are paid sums of money or other forms of compensation as salary or prizes 
for participation. Provided, That competitions with gate entry fees, 
television coverage, paid advertisements or sponsors are presumed to be 
conducted for profit: Provided further, That it shall not Include competitions 
held by and under the auspices of national sports associations duly 
recognized as such by the Philippine Sports Commission, solely for the 
development of the national training pool, or under the auspices of schools, 
colleges and universities, for the health and sports development of their 
students. Including inter-school competitions, or athletic associations or 
organizations of schools, colleges and universities participated in solely by 
bona fide students of the member schools, colleges and universities: 
Provided finally. That it shall not include competitions and tournaments 
organized by the community or the LGU;
n. Purse shall refer to prize, percentage or other remuneration for which 
boxing, wrestling or mixed martial arts contestants compete;
0. Special Armed Combat shall refer to fights that involve the limited use of 
traditional or cultural fighting implements such as amis and other non- 
bladed weapons involved In Filipino Martial Arts (FMA); and
p. Token amount shall refer to the money or prizes, the value of which shall 
be determined by the Board.
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SEC. 3. Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and its Composition. - The
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Games and Amusements Board, hereinafter referred to as the GAB, shail regulate


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professional sports and allied activities in the country. It shall be composed of a
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Chairman and two (2) Commissioners to be appointed by the President. The Chairman
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shall be the executive officer and shall manage the day-to-day operations of the
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agency.
The GAB shall be attached to the Office of the President for policy and program 
coordination. Except as otherwise herein provided, the GAB, created pursuant to 
Executive Order No. 392 (s. 1951), entitled: "Further Reorganizing the Different 
Executive Departments, Bureaus, Offices and Agencies of the Government of the 
Republic of the Philippines, Making Certain Readjustments of Personnel and Re- 
allotments of Funds In Connection Therewith, and For Other Purposes," shall continue 
to exercise its mandate over professional sports under Presidential Decree No. 871, 
entitled: "Placing Professional Basketball Games and Other Professional Games Under 
the Supervision and Regulation of the Games and Amusements Board," boxing and 
wrestling under Executive Order No. 120 (s. 1948), entitled: "Regulating Boxing and 
Wrestling Contests or Exhibitions," betting on horseracing under Republic Act No. 309, 
entitled: "An Act to Regulate Horse Racing in the Philippines," as amended, 
cockfighting under Presidential Decree No. 449, also known as the Cockfighting Law 
of 1974, in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1802, entitled: "Creating the Philippine 
Garhefowl Commission," jai-alai or basque pelota games under Executive Order No. 
135 (s. 1948), entitled: "Regulating the Establishment, Maintenance, and Operation of 
Frontons and Basque Pelota Games (Jai Alal),"as amended, and anti-iilegal gambling 
Linder Administrative Order Nos. 262 (s. 1992), entitled: "Creating the GAB Anti-Illegal 
Gambling Unit of the Games and Amusements Board," and Administrative Order No.
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222 (s. 1995), entitled: "Strengthening the Operations of the Anti-Illegal Gambling
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Unit of the Games and Amusement Board."
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SEC. 4. Powers and Functions of GAB. - The GAB, sitting as a collegial body,
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shall have the following powers and functions:
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a) Rule -Making Power. - The GAB shall be the policy making body of the
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agency. It shall have the power to promulgate rules and regulations as well as the
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minimum standards, quaiificatibns and requirements necessary for the impiementation
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of this Act;
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b) Regulatory Power.-
1. Reguiate aii professionai sports; Provided, that for horseracing, oniy the betting 
aspect inciuding betting through off-track betting (0TB) stations or through the 
use of the teiephone, the internet and other eiectronic means such as short 
messaging service (SMS), mobiie and desktop appiications and sifnilar 
piatforms, shaii be under the exciusive reguiation and supervision of the GAB. 
Aii other aspects of the conduct of horse racing, including the framing and 
scheduiing of races, the con^ruction and safety of race tracks, the ailocation of 
prizes, and the security of racing, shaii be under the Phiiippine Racing 
Commission pursuant-to Presidential Decree No. 420, entitled: "Creating the 
Philippine Racing Commission."
2. Issue professional sports licenses to professional athletes, professional sports 
officials or persons, regardless of nationality and residence, engage In 
professional sports In the country, whether on a regular, seasonal or one-time 
basis: Provided, That such license may be suspended or revoked in any case 
where the GAB shall have reason to believe that any of the aforesaid persons is 
guilty of any dishonest or fraudulent practice, or has violated any law, decree, 
executive order, rule or regulation on professional sports: Provided further, 
That the GAB shall have .the power to collect fees for the issuance of said 
licenses.
No person, entity or association shall employ or enter into a contract with any 
professional athlete or sports official for the conduct of professional sports 
without such athlete or sports official having been duly licensed by the GAB
3. Issue permits to any person, entity or association for the holding of a 
professional sporting event, competition or exhibition: Provided, That GAB shall 
order the suspension or cancellation of any game in case of violation of law or 
non-compliance with the provisions of this Act or the rules and regulations
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promulgated hereunder; Provided father. That the GAB shall have the power to 
collect fees for the Issuance of said permits.
For each event, competition or exhibition, the GAB shall, among others:
a. Require any promoter or entity applying for a permit to conduct 
professional sporting events, competitions or exhibitions to furnish the 
GAB with a cash or surety bond, in an amount equivalent to five percent 
(5%) of the total estimate of receipts from the full seating capacity of 
the building, stadium or structure where the contest or exhibition is to 
be held, to answer for the following obligations In the order named:
1. Government share as provided for in Section 4 (b)(3)(d);
ii. Reimbursement of tickets when so ordered by the GAB;
iii. Guarantee payment of services and prizes to competitors 
and games officials.
b. Assign among the duly licensed professional sports officials, the 
referees, timekeepers, scorers and other officials to officiate thereat and 
only the officials so designated shall have authority to perform their 
respective functions.
c. Through its duly authorized representatives, supervise the sale of 
admission tickets for any professional sport.
d. Collect from any person, entity or association conducting professional 
sporting events, competitions or exhibitions, a government share of 
three percent (3%) of the gross gate receipts and income from 
television, radio, motion picture rights, and other forms of streaming or 
broadcasting using advanced technology and other electronic media, if 
any, to defray the expenses of the personnel of the GAB assigned to 
supervise the games and for such other expenses in other activities of 
the GAB. Provided, That in the case of cockfight and jai-alai matches, 
the GAB shall regulate and supervise the live streaming, broadcasting or


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other forms of transmission of said games, and any and all betting
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through ofF-site betting stations or through the telephone, internet and
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other electronic means such as short messaging service (SMS), mobile
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and desktop applications and similar platforms, and shall collect fees
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amounting to three percent (3%) of the gross bets made through off-
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site betting stations and the aforementioned platforms to defray the
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expenses of the GAB;
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4. Review contracts between professional athletes and their managers. Including
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the sharing in the purse and the manner of payment, compensation and other
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remuneration of the professional athletes, if any. Provided, That GAB shall be
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furnished with a copy of the same at least seven (7) days before the
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professional sports, contest or exhibition to which the contract relates.
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Provided further, that all persons, leagues, corporations and other entitles
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involved in professional sports shall submit to the GAB copies of all thejr
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contracts with radio and television networks or with entities engaged in other
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forms of streaming or broadcasting of professional sports using other
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technology and electronic media, within ten (10) days from execution of the
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same.
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5. Review the rules and regulations issued by persons, entities or associations
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relative to the operation and conduct of professional sports;
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6. Ensure that the promoter or entity conducting the professional sporting events,
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competitions or exhibitions pay within a reasonable period after such event,
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competition or exhibition, or, in case of a percentage contract, immediately
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after the percentage is determined by the auditor of the GAB, the prizes,
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purses, compensation or other remuneration of professional athletes, officials,
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and all other persons entitled to payment, and to furnish the Board or its
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authorized representative with a copy of the receipt for such payment; and


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7. Issue an authority or clearance to travel and compete abroad to professional 
athletes and officials who will travel to, and participate in any sports 
tournaments, games or competitions.
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c) Quasi Judicial Power. - The GAB shall have the power to hear and decide any
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matter, controversy, or dispute arising from this Act, including the authority:
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1. To promulgate its own rules of procedure for the speedy disposition 
of cases before it;
2. To designate any of its officers to conduct hearing or investigation of 
any case pending before it;
3. To summon parties, issue subpoena or require the production of 
such books, papers, contracts, records or other documents as may 
be necessary for the just determination and adjudication of any 
matter under investigation;
4. Impose administrative sanctions and fines to erring athletes, boxers, 
fighters, promoters, managers, referees and other professional 
licensees and holders of permits issued the GAB;
5. To conduct mediation, conciliation, arbitration or other modes of 
settling disputes; and
6. To perform such other duties and exercise other powers incidental to 
or necessary to the exercise of its quasi-judicial powers.
All judgments, final orders or resolutions of the GAB in the exercise of its quasi 
-judicial power shall be appealable to the Court of Appeals.
d) Other Powers. - The GAB shall likewise have the authority to:
1. Enforce all laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, relating to 
professional sports;


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2. Coordinate with local and international professional sports organizations or 
regulatory bodies and attend relevant sports conventions, competitions and 
events;
3. Coordinate with organizations engaged In the promotion and control of 
amateur and collegiate sports;
4. Appoint personnel as it shall deem necessary in the exercise and 
performance of its powers and duties, and/or to employ the services by contract 
or otherwise, consultant or any local or foreign expert or technical personnel to 
provide technical and necessary assistance, conduct seminars and training and 
pay reasonable emoluments for their services;
5. Deputize any gpvemment office, entity, agency and public officer in the 
implementation of all laws, decrees, letters of instructions, general orders 
pertinent to the rules and regulations issued by the Board;
6. Establish regional offices in such number and location as it will allow it to 
perform the duties stated herein; and
6. Perform such other duties and exercise all other powers incidental or 
necessary for the attainment of the purposes of the Board and proper 
enforcement of the provisions of this Act.
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SEC. 5. Establishment of Athletes' Welfare Fund. - The Athletes' Welfare Fund,
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to be constituted from 1% of all receipts and income of the GAB, shall be established
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and managed by the GAB for the benefit of athletes who sustain injuries or die in the
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practice of their profession, or in such other cases as the GAB may deem fit, except if
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the disability or death is a result of an unauthorized or illegally-conducted professional
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sports activity. .
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The GAB shall develop a program for immediate financial and medical
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assistance to deserving indigent athletes suffering from injuries and emergencies
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related to their profession.


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The GAB shall likewise be authorized to receive in trust any donation,
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endowment or contribution to the athletes' welfare fund.
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SEC. 6. Admission in any Event, Game or Exhibition Venue. - The following
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persons are prohibited from admission in the premises where a professional sporting
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event, game, or exhibition is being conducted:
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(i) Persons carrying firearms or deadly weapons of any description,
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except officials in the performance of their official
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functions, security personnel;
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(11) Intoxicated persons;
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(iii)Persons of disorderly nature and conduct who are apt to disturb
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peace and order;
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(iv)For professional boxing, combat sports, jai alai and cockfighting,
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persons under eighteen (18) years of age, except when
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accompanied by an adult.
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(v) For other professional sports, persons under thirteen (13) years
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of age, except when accompanied by an adult.
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It shall also be the duty of GAB to ensure that the person, entity or association
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conducting the professional sporting event, competition or exhibition complies with
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the rules and regulations enacted by the Movie and Television Review and
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Classification Board (MTRCB) with regard to the public exhibition, viewing or live-
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streaming of professional sports and related events over national television.
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PROFESSIONAL BOXING AND OTHER CONTACT SPORTS
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SEC. 7. Measures to be Undertaken Before, During, and After Each Match. -
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The GAB shall implement the appropriate measures to be undertaken before, during
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and after each match of boxing or contact sports to ensure the safety of ail boxers,
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wrestlers and fighters, to include but not limited to, the presence of a licensed
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physician in every event, regular medical tests and mandatory rest periods for
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athletes; Provided, that all government hospitals, laboratories, clinics and medical
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Installations catering to the public shall provide free annual laboratory tests, when
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necessary, to indigent boxers, wrestlers and fighters, upon proper certification by the
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GAB.
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SEC. 8. Age of Contestants. - No contestant under the age of eighteen (18)
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years shall be licensed as a professional boxer, wrestler or fighter. The GAB may,
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under exceptional circumstances, allow a minor, but not less than sixteen (16) years
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of age, to apply for a license and participate in a professional boxing, wrestling or
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mixed martial arts match upon written consent of the minor's parents or in the
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absence thereof, the court appointed legal guardian.
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HORSE RACING
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SEC. 9. Establishment of Off-Track Betting (0TB) Station - The GAB may
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authorize the establishment of Off-Track Betting (0TB) station anywhere in the
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Philippines, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions set by the GAB:
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Provided/ That no 0TB shall be allowed to be established, maintained and/or operated less
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than three hundred (300) meters from any schools or learning institutions and churches or
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places of worship actively and currently being used as such: Provided further, That No 0TB
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station shall be established and operated nor shall any betting be conducted through
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the telephone, the internet and other electronic means such as short messaging
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service (SMS), mobile and desktop applications and similar platforms without the
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authority issued by the GAB.
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SEC. 10. Records of Tickets Soid. - No person, entity or association may
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operate a race-track, racing club, or any venue for holding horse races may operate
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without an automatic, electrically-operated public indicator system and ticket-selling
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machines, by means of which every ticket purchased on every horse in any race, shall
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be automatically and Instantaneously recorded by electrical impulse on a prominently-
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displayed bulletin board, each figure, letter, or symbol of which shall be readable from
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a distance.
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SEC. 11. Track Auditors and Checkers. -The GAB shall appoint such number 
of auditing officers and checkers as may be necessary to be placed In the race track, 
racing club or any venue for holding horse races who shall be responsible for the 
proper reporting of ticket sales, wagers and dividends through a system that 
computes the total wager and dividends paid per race such as, but not limited to, 
employing a totalizator sales or any other means.
SEC. 12. Betting. -The face value of totalizator tickets for wager, whether for 
win, place, or show, shall be the basis for the computation of dividends, and such 
dividends shall be paid after eliminating fractions of Ten Centavos (PO.IO). If no ticket 
has been sold on a winning horse, whether for win, place or show, the dividends 
corresponding to such race shall be paid out to the holders of tickets sold on the 
horses that finished dead heat, or on the horse that finished next to that on which not 
a single ticket was sold: Provided, That the owner of said winning horse shall be 
entitled to the corresponding stake or prize.
SEC. 13. Persons Prohibited from Betting. - Owners and employees of racing 
clubs or race tracks, persons or entities holding horse races, and their officials, 
including stewards, judges, handicappers, jockeys, and starters shall not be permitted 
to participate directly or indirectly, in the betting on races conducted in their own
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race-tracks. GAB members. Including GAB officials and employees, are likewise 
prohibited from betting on any race.
SEC. 14. Time for Running Daiiy Doubie Races; Posting of Ticket Sales. - The 
time for the running of the first race of any daily double event shall be determined by 
the GAB depending upon the circumstances surrounding each racing day which shall 
be announced to the public by the person, race track, racing club, or entity holding 
the races through loudspeakers at the time of the selection of the races constituting 
the daily double event, and the second race thereof shall be run not later than forty- 
five minutes after the first race. The sale of tickets for the daily double races shall be 
allowed after the Board or its authorized representatives have announced to the 
public the two races constituting each daily double event. The number of tickets sold 
on each horse in the two races of each daily double event and the totals thereof shall
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be posted at conspicuous bulletin boards. This information shall also be given to the
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public through loudspeakers. The closing of the sale of tickets for each event shall be
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properly announced by the ringing of a bell, after which no more tickets shall be sold.
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SEC. 15. Distribution of Receipts. - The total wager funds or gross receipts 
from the sale of pari-mutuel tickets shall be apportioned as follows: eighty-seven and 
one-half per centum (87.5%) shall be distributed in the form of dividends among 
holders of win, place and show horses, as the case may be, in the regular races; 
twelve and one-half per centum (12.5%) shall be set aside as the commission of the 
person, race track, racing club, or any other entity conducting the races, which shall 
include the amounts for the payment of authorized stakes or prizes for win, place and 
show horses, and authorized bonuses for jockeys; and in the case of daily double 
races, the gross receipts derived from the total sale of dally double tickets shall be 
apportioned in the same manner as provided hereinabove, except that the eighty- 
seven and one-half per centum (87.5%) of the gross receipts from the total sale of 
daily double tickets shall be distributed in the form of dividends among the holders of 
the winning combination of horses, that is, the two horses that won first place In the 
two races, instead of among holders of win, place and show horses, as In the case of 
regular races: Provided, however. That of the twelve and one-half per centum 
(12.5%) representing the commission of the person, race-track, racing club, or any 
other entity holding horse-racing an amount equivalent to one-half per centum 
(0.5%) of the total wager funds or gross receipts from the sale of tickets shall be set 
aside and turned over to the GAB by the person, race-track, racing club, or any other 
entity holding the race as a special fund activity to cover the expenses and such other 
purposes authorized under this Act. Any unexpended balance of this fund at the end 
of each year in excess of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) shall be turned over to 
the Bureau of Animal Industry to be used by the latter exclusively for the promotion 
of horse breeding in the Philippines.
SEC. 16. Unclaimed Dividends. - All winning prizes or dividends unclaimed by
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the winners within thirty (30) days from the date of the race shall be forfeited in favor
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of the government, and collected by the GAB.
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COCKFIGHTING
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SEC. 17. Ownership,. Operation and Management of Cockpits. Only Filipino
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citizens, not otherwise disqualified by existing laws, shall be allowed to own, manage
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and operate cockpits. Cooperative capitalization is encouraged.
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SEC. 18. Estabiishment of Cockpits. Only one cockpit shall be allowed In each
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city or municipality, except that in cities or municipalities with a population of over
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one hundred thousand (100,000) as indicated in the latest national census of
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population, two (2) cockpits may be established, maintained or operated, the location
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of which shall be subject to the zoning ordinance of the LGU: Provided, That in the
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absence of such zoning ordinance, no cockpits shall be established, maintained and/or
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operated less than three hundred (300) meters away from any existing residential
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area, schools or learning institutions and churches or places of worship actively and
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currently being used as such: Provided further, That owners, lessees, or operators of
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cockpits which are now in existence and do not conform to this requirement are given
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three (3) years from the date of effectivity of this Act to comply herewith; Provided
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finaiiy, That an authorization fee in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos (Php
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100,000.00) shall be charged by the GAB for each cockpit which shall allow for betting
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or wager on its cockfights.
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SEC. 19. Estabiishment of Off-Cockpit Betting Stations (OCBS). The GAB may
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authorize the establishment of OCBS anywhere in the Philippines, subject to
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compliance with the terms and conditions set by the GAB; Provided, no OCBS shall be
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allowed to be established, maintained and/or operated less than three hundred (300)
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meters from any schools or learning Institutions and churches or places of worship
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actively and currently being used as such: Provided further. That no OCBS shall be
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established and operated, nor any betting through the telephone, the internet and
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other electronic means such as short messaging service (SMS),, mobile and desktop
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applications and similar platforms be conducted, without a legislative franchise and
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appropriate permits issued by the GAB: Provided further. That existing OCBS
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transferring to another location shall be considered a new OCBS and shall be required
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to comply with the requirements therefore: Provided finally. That an authorization fee
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in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00) shall be charged by
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the GAB for each off-cockpit betting station.
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SEC. 20. Holding of Cockfights. The GAB shall establish uniform rules and
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regulations relative to the holding, methods, procedure, operations and conduct of.
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cockfighting to be observed by all the cockpits nationwide, as well as accreditation
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and registration of cockpit personnel and association of cockpit owners, operators and
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lessees, and the registration of fighting cocks: Provided, That cockfighting officials,
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such as gaffers, referees, mangagamot or specialists, bet takers or promoters of local
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cockfights shall not act as such in any cockfight herein authorized, without first
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securing a license from the city or municipality where such cockfighting is held.
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Provided further. That Gaffers, referees, mangagamot or specialists, bet takers or
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promoters who shall engage in a cockfight held in a different municipality or city or in
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international derbies shall secure a license from the GAB: Provided, however. That
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GAB should extend due consideration on their capacity of the to pay.
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SEC. 21. Scheduling of cockfights. The LGU shall set the frequency and
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schedule of cockfights within its jurisdiction, taking into consideration the practical
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preference of holding such on weekends and holidays: Provided, That no cockfights
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may be held on December 30 (Rizal Day), June 12 (Philippine Independence Day)
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November 30 (National Heroes Day), Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Election or
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Referendum Day and during Registration Days for such election or referendum.
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Provided, further. That the LGU may, through a special permit, authorize the holding
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of a derby or derbies during special occasions and for special purposes: Provided,
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however, that international derbies shall be under the sole and exclusive authority of
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the GAB..
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SEC. 22. International Cockfighting Events. - For international cockfighting
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events, the GAB shall collect from the cockpit operator an amount equivalent to three
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percent (3%) of all gate receipts collected at the entrance gates. The GAB shall also
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collect from the cockpit operator the equivalent of 3% of its customary share from the
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betting pool, otherwise known as the plazada, from every international cockfight.
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SEC. 23. Collection of Bets and Wagers. Subject to the approval of GAB, 
cockpits and off-cockpit betting stations shall develop a system for collection of bets 
and wagers, including "exotic bets", that will allow for the monitoring of the total 
amount of bets, wagers and dividend pay-offs for every cockfight. It shall submit to 
the GAB a quarterly report of all the bets, wagers and dividend pay-offs made for the 
cockfights it conducted. Provided, That one-half per centum (.5%) of the total bets or 
wager funds shall be set aside and remitted to the GAB, and made available to cover 
its expenses for the supervision and regulation of cockfights.
SEC. 24. Other games during cockfights proscribed. No gambling of any kind 
shall be permitted on the premises of a cockpit or place where a cockfight is held 
while a game is ongoing. The owner, manager or lessee of such cockpit and the 
violators of this injunction shall be criminally liable under the Anti-Gambling Law or 
Presidential Decree Number 1602 and other applicable laws.
SEC. 25. Importation of Gamecocks. The GAB shall prescribe policy guidelines
I
for the issuance of permits by the Bureau of Animal Industry for the importation or 
entry of gamecocks into the country for breeding or competition purposes.
JAI ALAI
SEC. 26. Establishment of Off-fronton Betting Stations. - The GAB may 
authorize the establishment of off-fronton stations anywhere In the Philippines, 
subject to compliance with the terms and conditions set by the GAB: Provided, That no 
OCBS shall be allowed to be established, maintained and/or operated less than three hundred 
(300) meters from any schools or learning Institutions and churches or places of worship 
actively and currently being used as such: Provided, That no off-fronton station shall be 
established and operated nor shall any betting be conducted through the telephone, 
the internet and other electronic means such as short messaging service (SMS), 
mobile and desktop applications and similar platforms without the appropriate permits 
Issued by the GAB.
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SEC. 27. Records of Tickets Sold. - Any person or entity operating a fronton
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wherein betting in any form is allowed shall install in its premises an autoniatic
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electrically operated indicator system and ticket selling machine, which shall clearly
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record each ticket purchased on every player in.any game, the total number of tickets
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sold on each event, as well as the dividends that correspond to holders of winning
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numbers.
7. 
SEC. 28. Track Auditors and Checkers. -The GAB shall assign such number of
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auditing officers and checkers as may be necessary which shall have the duty to
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check up and correct any irregularity or any erroneous report or computation that
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may be made by officials of the fronton, in connection with the reports on the sale of
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tickets and the payment of dividends.
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SEC. 29. Distribution of Wager Funds. - Unless otherwise provided for in the
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their franchise, the total wager funds or gross receipts collected by duly authorized
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jai-alai operators/clubs from the sale of the betting tickets shall be apportioned as
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follows: a cofnmission not exceeding ten and one-half per centum (10.5%) on the
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total bets on each game or event shall be set aside for the person or entity operating
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the fronton and four and one-half per centum (4.5%) of such bets shall be remitted
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to the National Treasury for disposition as may be authorized by law or executive
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order; and the balance or eighty-five per centum (85%) of the total bets shall be
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distributed in the form of dividends among holders of "win" or "place" numbers or
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holders of the winning combination or grouping of numbers, as the case may be:
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Provided, however, That of the ten and one-half per centum (10.5%) representing
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the commission of the person or entity operating the fronton, an amount equivalent
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to one-half per centum (.5%) of the total bets or wager funds shall be set aside and
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remitted to the GAB, and made available to cover its expenses for the supervision and
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regulation of basque pelota games in frontons and off-frontons.
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ANTI -ILLEGAL GAMBLING UNIT
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SEC. 30. Enforcement and Investigation Division. - There shall be an
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Enforcement and Investigation Division that shall combat and prevent the existence
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and proliferation of illegal bookie joints and other illegal forms of organized gambling 
in professional sporting events, competitions or exhibitions.
SEC 31. Creation of Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit. - To assist the GAB in its fight 
against illegal bookie joints and other illegal forms of organized gambling in 
professional sporting events, competitions or exhibitions, an Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit 
(AIGU) is hereby created to be composed of personnel from GAB Enforcement and 
Investigation Division and other organic personnel to be appointed by the GAB: 
Provided, That the GAB-AIGU may request for operational assistance from 
government agencies involved in gaming operations or law enforcement in the 
exercise of its functions.
SEC. 32. Prosecution. The GAB-AIGU shall monitor the status of arrests made 
and complaints filed to ensure that suspects are prosecuted. The GAB shall submit a 
quarterly report on the operations of the GAB-AIGU to the Congress of the Philippines 
and the Office of the President.
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 33. Appropriations. - The amount needed to Implement the provisions of 
this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriation of the GAB and 
thereafter included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The GAB shall, within ninety 
(90) days after the effectivity of this Act, promulgate such rules and regulations 
necessary to implement this Act.
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SEC. 35. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
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to be unconstitutional, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
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shall continue to be in full force and effect.
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SEC. 36. Repeating Clause. - Presidential Decree No. 871, Executive Order No.
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120 (s. 1948), Presidential Decree No. 449, Presidential Decree No. 1802, Executive
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Order No. 135 (s. 1948). Sections 6 and 7 of Executive Order No. 392 (s. 1951), and
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Sections 6,11,15,18, and 24 of Republic Act No. 309 are hereby repealed. All other
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laws, orders and proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof,, inconsistent
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with or contrary to the provisions of this Act or its purposes are hereby amended or
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modified accordingly.
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SEC. 37. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper pf general circulation.
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Approved,
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