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MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ Memorandum Circular No. 8, August 28, 2001 ]

ENJOINING GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND ALL CONCERNED FROM ENTERING OR PLAYING IN CASINOS

WHEREAS, Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1067-B, as last amended by PD No. 1869, granted the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a franchise to establish, operate and maintain gambling clubs and casinos;

WHEREAS, one of the conditions imposed on the franchise holder is that only tourists and/or foreigners who are not residents of the Philippines, and residents with a net income for the previous year of at least P50,000.00, which fact should be certified to by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, shall be allowed to play at the gambling casinos:

WHEREAS, the following persons are not allowed to stay and/or play at the gambling casinos:

a) Government officials connected directly with the operation of the government or any of its agencies, save personnel employed by the casinos who may be allowed to stay in the premises;

b) Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including the Army, Navy, and Air Force; and

c)  Persons under 21 years of age or students of any school, college or university in the Philippines.1âшphi1

WHEREAS, it has been reported that some government officials and employees, including members of the PNP and AFP, have been seen in casinos;

WHEREAS, there is a need to enforce strictly the aforementioned conditions set by law.

IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, it is hereby reiterated that all government personnel concerned are prohibited from entering, staying and/or playing at gambling casinos. Accordingly, it is hereby directed:

1. All heads of departments, bureaus and offices, government-owned or controlled corporations and local governments, including the PNP and AFP, to remind officials and employees under them regarding this prohibition and to impose the appropriate sanctions and penalties in case of violation thereof; and

2. The PAGCOR Management to strictly enforce the law and this Memorandum Circular as regards the prohibition to enter, stay and/or play in casinos.

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 28th day of August, 2001.

By authority of the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

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