Illegal gambling list expanded with higher penalties proposed

There is a move in Congress to impose higher penalties on other forms of illegal gambling
not covered by Republic Act No. 9827.
R.A. 9827 is otherise !non as "An Act increasing penalties for illegal numbers games#
amending certain provisions of $residential %ecree No. &'(2# and for other purposes.)
Rep. *herin T. +atchalian ,&
st
%istrict# -alen.uela City/ is author of 01 2''& hich
see!s to include in the coverage of RA 9872 other illegal gambling activities enumerated under
$% &'(2# as amended.
"3llegal gambling# in its various forms# persists as a social menace hich erodes the basic
foundation of our moral fibre and its proliferation has continued to leave an impression on the
public that it is a source of corruption to some public officials and la enforcers#) +atchalian
pointed out.
1y increasing the penalties for other forms of illegal gambling# the author added# it ould
be indicative of the government4s strong resolve to minimi.e# if not eradicate# illegal gambling in
its pursuit of social and economic development.
"This measure see!s to address the persisting problem on illegal gambling in urban areas
particularly on 5sa!la4 operations#) +atchalian said# adding that illegal operators ould usually
conduct 5sa!la4 during a!es in the guise of raising funds for the bereaved families# thus# local
government officials and la enforcers are forced to turn a blind eye on said activities.
6ven as those involved in 5sa!la4 argue that it is 7ust being conducted as a pastime for the
a!e goers# the authors pointed out that "it is very clear that 5sa!la4 is an illegal gambling activity
hich has negative effects on society# particularly the young people ho are e8posed to these
illegal activities.)
3n many reported cases# +atchalian added# a!es ould last for ee!s not because people
ould ant to mourn the deceased but because 5sa!la4 operators need to e8tend the a!e to be
able to continue their illegal gambling activity.
01 2''& proposes to punish not 7ust "illegal numbers game) but "any illegal gambling
activity#) as provided under the e8isting la.
The penalties range from 9( days to 2( years imprisonment# depending on the person
violating the provisions of the amending measure# from mere bettors# gambling or!ers# oners
of places here the illegal gambling is held# or as operators.
:i!eise# if the collector# agent# coordinator# controller# supervisor# maintainer# manager#
operator# financier or capitalist of any illegal gambling activity is a government employee or
public official# hether elected or appointed shall suffer the penalty of &2 years and one day to
NR # 3625B
OCT. 20, 2014
tenty ,2(/ years and a fine ranging from $9;million to $<;million and perpetual absolute
dis=ualification from public office.
The bill also provides for informer4s reard hich shall be at least 9<> of the cash money
or articles of value confiscated or forfeited in favour of the government after conviction of the
offender.
Aside from providing for a system of reards and incentives for la enforcement officers
and for local government officials for the effective implementation of the la# the %3:+#
NA$?:C?@ and %?A shall also conduct annual moral recovery and values enhancement
seminars for :+B officials and la enforcers under their respective 7urisdictions.
Also proposed to be included in the list of illegal gambling activities not yet covered by
the present la areC Jai-Alai or horse racing to include boo!ie operations and other forms of
illegal lotteriesD any game using diceD CuajaoD PangguingueD mahjongD domino and other games
using plastic tiles and the li!eD dog raising# boat racingD car racing and other forms of races as
provided for by la.
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Revision of :as for proper disposition
and action. ,9(/ dpt