Duterte issues stern warning
Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana of the Philippine National Police has stated that the PNP will continue to strictly enforce its ban on officers entering casinos and other gaming venues in the country, according to the Manila Standard. The publication noted that cops are also prohibited in “places of ill repute.”
“As workers in government, PNP personnel are governed by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials under Republic Act 6719 that prescribes a set of norms that promote a high standard of ethics in public service,” Durana said in a statement.
“Moreover, Presidential Decrees 1067-B and 1869, which created the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., forbids government officials, members of uniformed services, students and minors from gambling in casinos. Memorandum Circular 6, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in 2016, restated the ban,” he added.
Durana issued the warning after President Rodrigo Duterte forbade police to enter gaming halls, particularly those in hotels and casinos. He singled out Okada Manila in Entertainment City, saying it attracts “the lowlifes in society.” He threatened to fire any police officer who disobeys his order and said he may call in the elite Scout Rangers to monitor the area. “If I lose my patience I will call the Rangers,” he said. “You choose. Either the military will do the patrolling there or you go out of the place there. I do not want to see any law enforcement guy there either in uniform or civilian clothes.”
National Capital Region Police Office Director Guillermo Eleazar reiterated the ban on government officials, who are also banned from casinos. “It is indeed unlawful,” Eleazar said. “Apart from police personnel, the ban covers government officials spotted in casinos. But this time, they can’t hang around inside hotels, unless they have an official business.”
Meanwhile, Okada Manila released a statement saying it “fully supports President Duterte’s call for vigilance against erring members of the police force,” and that it would cooperate with law enforcement on the matter.
