Philippines to enforce ban on government officials entering casinos

igo Duterte, the new President of the Philippines, has moved to strictly enforce a ban on government officials setting foot in casinos, according to the Politiko news agency.

CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Andrea Domingo, has been ordered to strictly implement Presidential Decree No. 1067-B, which prohibits government officials, members of the Philippine National Police and those serving in the nation's armed forces from entering casinos.

The terms of the decree also stipulate that employees of agencies with direct involvement in government operations are banned from entering and gambling at casinos.

The decree was first issued in 1983 by former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Duterte’s transcript, quoted by Politiko, reads: “I do not want people in government entering the casino.

“You are in the government with a measly income and yet you’ll be seen in a casino?”

The President also made clear his intention to include the children and partners of government officials in the casino ban, as well as anyone less than 21 years of age and students attending any Philippine school or university.

Duterte has made no secret of his disapproval of gambling, using his first cabinet meeting on 30 June to direct PAGCOR to begin rescinding licenses issued for online gambling.