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Foreigners Banned from Running Filipino Casinos

PHILIPPINES – As reported by the Philippine Star: "The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill extending the franchise of the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) but retained restrictions against allowing foreigners to engage in the local gaming business.

"'We stood pat on our commitment against allowing foreigners to engage in legalized gambling using Pagcor's franchise,' Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri said. 'What we have approved is a short, simple, uncomplicated two-page bill that deals mainly with extending Pagcor's franchise.'

"Under House Bill 3409, which was passed late Thursday, Pagcor's franchise was extended for 25 years after its expiration on July 2008 and may be renewed for another 25 years.

"Zubiri, chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, said the chamber maintained the same restrictions against foreign participation in the operation of casinos and other legal gambling enterprises stipulated in Pagcor's franchise.

"…The approved measure also widened restrictions in the Pagcor charter, disallowing the firm from engaging in jai alai and Internet gaming…"

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