State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has lifted the suspension order it issued against the Resorts World Manila (RWM) casino three weeks ago.
PAGCOR chair Andrea Domingo on Thursday gave RWM’s parent company Travellers International Hotel Group the greenlight for the resumption of its operations following the latter’s compliance with the regulator’s required security and safety improvements.
The conditions that PAGCOR set in order to allow RWM to resume operations include the hiring of a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems; increased number of x-ray machines and metal detectors; and doubled-up deployment of guards with firearms.
PAGCOR added that RWM is conducting an ongoing review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios, as well as additional safety and security seminars for employees.
“After careful scrutiny and deliberations, PAGCOR has lifted the suspension order against Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI), under the business name Resorts World Manila to operate gaming activities,” Domingo said.
Aside from compliance with security and safety improvements, PAGCOR took into consideration TIHGI’s 6,000 gaming operations workforce, whose livelihoods were affected by the suspension. Also, the government was losing an average of P14 million per day or P434 million a month as a result of the suspension.
PAGCOR, however, maintained its position that the lifting of the suspension does not offer TIHGI’s officers and personnel any protection from criminal liability, which is to be determined by government investigating bodies.
With the lifting of the suspension order, PAGCOR enjoins TIHGI as well as all gaming operators to continuously improve their safety procedures and protocols to ensure that this tragic incident will not happen again.
PAGCOR wants to move on as an institution. Hence, it is doing what is best and what is legal for the greater good of everyone.
