MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- The popular betting game, jai alai, in the Philippines has once again ground to a halt, for now, after a temporary restraining order (TRO) was issued by the Philippine Court of Appeals ordering controversial gaming company Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation to halt its jai alai operations for 60 days.
The TRO was issued by the appelate court after state gaming agency Games and Amusement Board (GAB) sought the court's help in stopping the alleged illegal operations of Meridien which is allegedly owned by known gambling maven Atong Ang. According to the GAB, Meridien's basis for the jai alai operation was its license issued by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). However, the GAB said that the operation of any jai alai or basque pelota is a legislative exercise and that the legality of Meridien's jai alai operations was questionable.
Earlier, Meridien was able to get a TRO from an Aparri regional trial court to thwart the GAB from any attempt to stop the firm's jai alai operations. The GAB turned to the Court of Appeals to reverse the lower court's decision.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima also said last week that Meridien had overstepped its CEZA license when it established off-fronton betting stations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. She cited that the company was in violation of Republic Act 954 which states:
"No person, or group of persons, other than the operator or maintainer of a fronton with legislative franchise to conduct basque pelota games (Jai-Alai), shall offer, take or arrange bets on any basque pelota game or event, or maintain or use a totalizator or other device, method or system to bet or gamble on any basque pelota game or event."
According to De Lima, Meridien should only be conducting its jai alai operations inside the CEZA zone.
The fiery justice secretary has also given the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) the go-signal to continue raiding the off-fronton betting stations.
Source: Inquirer.net
Posted: July 11, 2011
