Quezon City appears to be relishing the legal battle it has before it, openly defying the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). On the Public Affairs and Information website of the city, it was announced on June 10 that the Quezon City Council had passed a Gambling Regulatory Ordinance, with the intention “to protect the mental health of the people against gambling addiction and maintain peace and order.”

The ordinance, proposed by Xenia Lagman, Franz Pumaren, Alexis Herrera, Raquel Malañgen, Marvin Rillo, and Godofredo Liban II, does several admirable things. It establishes a 24-hour hotline for those with gambling problems, an advisory council, and pushes for the adoption of regulatory policies.

Where it gets sticky is the new gambling fees they propose for residents of Quezon City. The announcement states:

“To further strengthen the campaign for the prevention of gambling problems, the QC Gambling Regulatory Ordinance requires the residents who wants to play in gambling establishments within the city to pay P1,500 for casinos, P500 for e-games, P100 for e-bingos for every consecutive period of 24 hours, and P30,000 fee if the gambling establishment offers an annual membership.”