TARLAC CITY – The Provincial Government of Tarlac led by Gov. Susan Yap, Vice Gov. Carlito David and the 13 board members denounced any and all forms of illegal online gambling, in the wake of the POGO operations in Bamban town recently raided by law enforcement authorities.
In a statement issued on May 10, the provincial leadership reaffirmed that their stand against any and all forms of illegal online gambling has always been consistent and remains steadfast, citing that Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 10 -2021 issued Jan. 14, 2021, has already clearly condemned reported illegal offshore online gambling activities reported in the municipality of Bamban.
“This is in line with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s press release dated Sep. 25, 2020, where the public was once again advised not to engage in any unauthorized gambling activities offered by unscrupulous individuals and groups. While illegal gambling per se is not among the predicate crimes of Money Laundering, frauds and swindling are. These are based on the act of taking bets from the public by falsely representing that they have a legitimate business, when in fact, they have no such authority,” the statement read.
“The Provincial Government of Tarlac strictly maintains its policy of adherence to the rule of law and does not countenance any act contrary thereto. Illegal gambling in whatever form, is strongly denounced. Illegal online gambling poses dire economic consequences, as it deprives the government of potential tax revenue that could be utilized for public benefit. It jeopardizes the businesses of licensed and legal operators,” it furthered.
According to the provincial officials, the shadow economy created by these illegal operations also provides venue for a plethora of several other crimes, such as underage gambling, money laundering, and fraud. Illegal online gambling is a breeding ground for online identity theft, online scams and internet fraud. Its continued operations allow illegal funds to remain undetected, undermining the integrity of our legal and financial system.
“Let it be clear that records of both the Provincial Government as well as of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan do not show any agreement or resolution authorizing any entity, public or private, local or foreign, to engage in or operate an online offshore gambling within the territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Tarlac,” the statement noted.
The provincial officials said that all forms of illegal online offshore gambling is strongly condemned in the Province and affirmed their support in the government’s efforts aimed at eradicating illegal operations and the province shall continue to actively join and cooperate in all activities aimed at eradicating illegal online offshore gambling. Arvin F. M. Cabalu/Tarlac-PIO
