CEZA orders stoppage of gaming firm’s operation

BAYOMBONG, Philippines - A top official of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) has finally ordered the complete stoppage of the controversial operations of online gaming firm Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC). In a letter sent to MVGC president Aitor Araña Totricabuena on Wednesday, which takes effect immediately, CEZA Administrator and chief executive officer Jose Mari Ponce ordered company to “stop all gaming operations including testing of softwares and telecommunication infrastructures." CEZA has earlier authorized the company to set up and establish a jai-alai fronton and other support service facilities within the zone including telecommunications for use by the firm for its online betting activities. MVGC was previously given full authority to license off fronton stations anywhere within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP) in Sta. Ana, Cagayan “and in any place as may be allowed by law. ..." However, an opinion from the Office of Government-owned and Controlled Corporations (OGCC) overturned a previous judgment “regarding the operation and licensing of jai-alai, which was the basis of CEZA approval of MVGCs operation." Anti-gambling advocates in the province also believed that the company has abused the privilege vested on it by operating well outside their supposed area of jurisdiction. Several provincial officials and town mayors were even suspected to have coddled representatives of MVGC by issuing permits to operate despite legal inquiries being aired by the media and Church groups against its manner of operation. On the other hand, bet collectors admitted that local handlers of the company have told them that their operation was completely legitimate. Concerned citizens have reported to GMANews.TV that bets were supposed to be placed in betting stations but collectors roam around some towns including capital Bayombong and Solano where betting are done jueteng-style. After weeks of debates over the gaming firm’s legitimacy to operate its online gambling in the province, a recent show by GMA 7s “Imbestigador" revealed that MVGC has also operated in the Camarines provinces where raids were executed by the local police armed with search warrants. Talking to GMANews.TV, Sr. Supt. Pedro Danguilan, Nueva Vizcaya police chief, admitted that members of the police force were earlier threatened by the gaming firm’s legal officer with a legal suit if they continue arresting MVGC’s “game facilitators." Senior Provincial Board Member Patricio Dumlao, however, repeatedly confirmed that MVGCs operations were illegal even if municipal permits were issued to them. He said that he will move for the gaming firm’s de-listment as a CEZA enterprise if their operations continue. Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela are among MVGCs three trial areas where it continued to operate before the stoppage order amid protests from anti-gambling groups. - GMANews.TV