In spite of vocal opposition by local church and civic leaders, members of the City Council in the Philippine city of Cagayan de Oro, have approved a resolution “taking note and cognizance” of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (Pagcor) application for operating Internet gaming stations within the city.

Some council members have expressed concern over the approval because of the staunch opposition of the Church and civic leaders and acting Vice-Mayor of the council, Edgar Cabanlas, is one such member. “For us to choose and become participants…murag kulbaan ko ba (I feel jittery)” said Cabanlas during deliberations over the resolution.

Nevertheless, the resolution was approved albeit with changes in the wording. Originally stated as “interposing no objection” to Pagcor’s application, the City Council changed the wording because it too closely resembled the wording used for their endorsement of the slot machine operations in one of the city’s hotels. After the endorsement, the church and civic leaders vocally criticized the City Council and the change in wording is an attempt to avoid a repeat of such criticisms.

Councilor Maryanne Enteria, pointed out however, that since Pagcor’s gambling operations do not require the council approval, the council’s endorsement isn’t really necessary.

Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, the Games and Amusement Committee Chair, defended Pagcor’s goal of operating in the city, arguing that the improved betting stations provided by such an operation will do a better job of preventing minors from gambling. Anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from playing. The betting stations will be similar to that of lotto operated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, but the numbers will be minimal.

Pagcor also offers Internet based gambling. Internet gambling options include BasketballJackpot & GamePick where bettors can line up to place their wagers at various Pagcor Internet Sports Betting Stations (ISBS). The ISBS offer different formats for placing wages such as Final Scores, the famous Last 2 Digits ending game and Las Vegas style games (Point Spread, Over/Under and Pick-to-Win). All of the formats are based on the results of actual basketball games. Pagcor also has online betting on cockfights, which is becoming increasingly popular in Manila, but it is not certain that that option will also be available in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Officials at the local diocese of the Catholic Church have not yet issued a statement on the matter but one Church official said the Church will be leading a massive action against the gambling facility.