In the Philippines and Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pictured) reportedly looks on track to be elected to replace Rodrigo Duterte as the nation’s next President some 36 years after his namesake father was ousted from the same post by a popular revolution.
According to a report from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the 64-year-old affectionately known as ‘Bongbong’ so far holds 56% of the vote and could be officially confirmed as the 17th President of the Philippines by as soon as Thursday. A win for the former Senator would purportedly also see Duterte’s 43-year-old daughter, Sara, installed as the Asian nation’s latest Vice-President.
Alluring approach:
Having run on a promise to bring happiness and unity to a country struggling from years of political polarization and pandemic hardships, Marcos has reportedly portrayed the days of his father as something of a ‘golden age’ for the Philippines while simultaneously glossing over the period’s widespread poverty and rampant corruption. His political rallies were purportedly emblematic of this ‘good time’ image and featured pop music, dancing and comedy troupes where attendees were often rewarded with gifts such as t-shirts and wristbands.
Legitimate legacy:
Should the past governor for Ilocos Norte Province succeed in being elected as the next President of the Philippines and GGRAsia reported that the new leader will almost immediately have a number of pressing gaming-related decisions to make. The source explained that he will most certainly be looking to maintain the tax revenues his country earns from licensed casinos and other forms of authorized gaming run under the supervision of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGcor), which was established via a 1977 decree from his father.
Remote rights:
One key judgement will reportedly involve whether the Philippines should continue to withhold licenses for cock-fighting contests presented online, which are locally known as E-Sabong. These permits were purportedly paused by Duterte only last week amid allegations that some people linked to the industry had been abducted.
PIGO perseverance:
Another topic of interest for Manila-born Marcos could reportedly involve whether the nation via PAGCor should continue granting Philippine Inland Gaming Operator (PIGO) licenses to local iGaming firms. Brought in late last year as a way of helping land-based casinos to earn revenues during the country’s many coronavirus-related lockdowns, these permits gave properties including the giant Okada Manila, Resorts World Manila and Solaire Resort and Casino the right to offer a wide range of entertainment including video slots and live-dealer games to registered aficionados.
Boracay battle:
Finally, GGRAsia reported that Marcos will furthermore be pressed on whether he is to maintain Duterte’s casino prohibition for the small island of Boracay, which is located some 196 miles south of Manila. This exclusion was purportedly introduced in April of 2018 only after Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited had applied for a license to construct a $500 million gambling-friendly development complete with a 1,000-room hotel.
