According to the new Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chairman Cristino Naguiat, it is hoped that the Entertainment City project in Manila, due to be completed in 2014, will rival Macau and Singapore to become a third big Asian gambling hub. The government also would like to develop projects for other places in the Philippines but insists that gambling must be part of fully integrated resorts offering other entertainment.

Under the previous administration the then Pagcor Chairman, Efraim C Genuino, said about Manila’s Entertainment City, “The new city will be Pagcor’s ultimate legacy and contribution to the country’s economic recovery. Through this project, Pagcor aims to become the catalyst for economic growth and national development.”

In 2008 four groups were given licences to proceed with the construction of concept approved designs. Aruze Corp. of Japan, the Genting Berhad Group of Malaysia, Bloombury Investments Limited, and Belle Corp. are said to have postponed further investment until government plans are clear. New president Begnino Aquino III has called for a review of Pagcor and will consider privatising the state owned body.

In an AFP interview Naguiat stated that the gaming industry review should be completed by the end of the month and that the Entertainment City developers would receive government requirements in September. Investment for each project remains at a minimum US$1 billion but some aspects approved by the previous government have been scrapped. The world’s tallest tower and a rail link between the resort and Manila's international airport are no longer part of government policy, but could be undertaken by private investment. (E-08.17.10)

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