However, casinos all over the country and the jai-alai fronton on Adriatico street in Malate, Manila will remain open to the public.
The President’s directive came after he announced on Oct. 14 that the government will totally pull out from all forms of gambling and that Pagcor will eventually be privatized.
"Take immediate steps to close down all Pagcor facilities and outlets in jai-alai, on-line bingo and Internet casino gaming," the President said in his directive to Pagcor Chairwoman Alice Reyes.
Mr. Estrada also authorized Pagcor to "to secure the support of the Philippine National Police and all concerned local government units" in closing down these facilities.
The Chief Executive instructed Reyes to make an initial report on the implementation of his order, through Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora, within 48 hours.
Press Secretary Ricardo Puno Jr. said casinos will remain open because these gaming centers have Congress-approved franchises. Thus, he said, their closures will need a law.
Puno also said the Mr. Estrada’s latest decision is not part of a move to prop up his image.
"The President feels the need to give a strong message to the people that these are the proofs of what he has been saying these past few days," he said.
He added that the closure order was a way of showing to the people that Mr. Estrada will do away with all forms of state-sanctioned gambling.
"The President listens to the shouts of the people all over the country. It seems the people really detest gambling. So starting now, there will be no more gambling, at least for Pagcor," he said.