A special session of the House of Representatives is expected this week to ratify a bill that would grant the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a twenty-five year extension to its gambling franchise. At least six lawmakers and an association of bishops against gambling are highly critical of the move. Opposition politicians consider that there is no need to rush ratification of the bill as the PAGCOR franchise does not end until next year.

Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a long time vocal anti gambling and anti PAGCOR proponent, said "Pagcor now is salivating not only in looking forward to a generous lease of gambling life for no less than a quarter of a century. It has also generously worked for more corporate gambling possibilities under its dubious nationwide umbrella," adding “if the bill extending the operational life of Pagcor is further approved by House of Representatives, the infamous government corporation is henceforth even authorized to enter into joint-ventures with private corporations.”

Also in the bill is legislation for online gambling and the construction of a Pagcor City gambling theme park in a reclaimed area of Manila Bay. Opposition parties are not happy that the franchise bill is not complying with rules that the bicameral committee must agree on conflicting provisions before a bill can be ratified. They claim that PAGCOR is known to contribute to political funds for the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

In February 2006 PAGCOR announced that if its franchise was extended it could promise a minimum US$3 billion in gaming investment and that four foreign investors were interested in developing casino complexes. The state-run company is the second-largest contributor to Philippine finances and in January reported a record US$520 million revenue with US$244.6 million being paid to the government. (E-02.19.07)

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