Cagayan Economic Zone Authority revokes gaming firm's franchise

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines  – The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) withdrew yesterday the franchise it issued to a Spanish-owned gaming company amid Church-led opposition against what it described as the firm’s jueteng-like operations here. 

CEZA Administrator Jose Mari Ponce, in ordering the immediate cancellation of the franchise granted to Meridien Vista Gaming Corp., cited the decision of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel to reverse its decision authorizing the firm’s operation.

Earlier, Meridien said its operations were aboveboard, adding though that it was victimized by “bookies.”   – Charlie Lagasca