In a bold move that has sent shockwaves throughout the gambling industry, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has ordered the shutdown of several casinos that are allegedly owned and operated by Chinese investors with close ties to his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
The decision to shut down the China-centric casinos, which have been accused of operating illegally and evading taxes, comes as part of Marcos’ efforts to crack down on corruption and restore the rule of law in the country. The move has also been seen as a signal to China that the Philippines will not tolerate any interference in its internal affairs.
The casinos, which cater primarily to Chinese high-rollers, have reportedly been profiting from the country’s lax regulatory environment and are believed to have ties to organized crime syndicates in China. Some of the casinos are also suspected of being involved in money laundering and human trafficking.
Marcos, who took office earlier this year after winning a landslide victory in the presidential election, has made it clear that he will not hesitate to take action against any individual or organization that threatens the country’s sovereignty and security. The closure of the China-centric casinos is just the latest in a series of bold moves by the new president to assert his authority and stamp out corruption in the country.
The decision to shut down the casinos has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some praising Marcos for taking a tough stance against China’s influence in the country while others expressing concerns about the impact of the closures on the local economy and jobs.
In a statement released by the presidential palace, Marcos defended his decision to close the China-centric casinos, stating that they had been operating in violation of Philippine laws and regulations and that their continued operation posed a threat to national security. The president also vowed to continue cracking down on illegal gambling activities and other forms of criminality in the country.
The closure of the China-centric casinos is likely to have far-reaching implications for the Philippine gambling industry, which has seen a boom in recent years due to the influx of Chinese tourists and investors. It remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to the loss of these lucrative casinos and whether other foreign-owned establishments will also come under scrutiny from the government.
As the dust settles on this dramatic turn of events, one thing is clear: President Marcos is determined to clean up the gambling industry in the Philippines and bring an end to the influence of foreign interests in the country’s affairs. Whether he will succeed in his mission remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain – the era of China-centric casinos in the Philippines has come to an end.
