In a shocking turn of events, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the shutdown of all China-centric casinos in the country, a move that has sent shockwaves through the industry and raised questions about the cozy relationship between the Philippines and China.
The crackdown comes after former president Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also known as Bongbong Marcos, took office as the country’s new president in June. Marcos has long been known for his hardline stance against China’s influence in the Philippines and has vowed to tackle corruption in the gambling industry, which has been a source of concern for many Filipinos.
According to sources close to the president, the decision to shut down the China-centric casinos was a direct response to the growing influence of Chinese investors in the Philippine gambling market. These casinos, which cater primarily to Chinese nationals, have been accused of flouting Philippine laws and regulations, and engaging in illegal activities such as money laundering and human trafficking.
In a statement released by the presidential palace, Marcos emphasized that his administration will not tolerate any form of illegal gambling or foreign interference in the country’s affairs. “We will not allow our country to be used as a playground for foreign interests,” he declared.
The move has received mixed reactions from the gambling industry and political observers. While some have praised Marcos for taking a stand against corruption and protecting national interests, others have questioned the timing of the crackdown and its potential impact on the economy.
Economic analysts have warned that the closure of China-centric casinos could have far-reaching consequences for the Philippine economy, as these establishments have been a major source of revenue and employment for many Filipinos. The move could also strain relations with China, which has been a key investor in the country’s gambling industry in recent years.
As the dust settles on this controversial decision, one thing is clear: Marcos is wasting no time in fulfilling his campaign promises and asserting his authority as the new leader of the Philippines. Whether this bold move will strengthen the country’s position on the global stage or lead to further tensions with China remains to be seen. One thing is certain – the future of the Philippine gambling industry hangs in the balance.
