He said they were told by PCSO representatives that STL’s operations are covered by national laws and its authorized local franchise, Trento Gaming Corporation, is not required to secure any permit from the city.
STL has been operating in the city for several months already through outlets managed by Trento.STL
But Gacal, who is a lawyer, noted that there is “no legal issue” on the matter as the city government has not even required the STL outlets in the area to secure business permits.
He said the city’s charter, Republic Act (RA) 9649, explicitly requires the PCSO and other concerned entities to seek the city council’s concurrence before it can operate any type of gaming in the city.
He said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.[]
followed the same process before it started the operations here last year of the electronic or e-bingo.
“That is provided for in a Republic Act, a national law, so they must comply with it,” Gacal said in a radio interview.
The official said it is “very clear that a national law is being violated and a crime is being committed.”
“Without our concurrence, they are conducting illegal gambling. So the chief of police is bound to implement the law,” he said.[]
