After careful scrutiny and deliberations, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has lifted the suspension order against Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI), under the business name Resorts World Manila to operate gaming activities.
The lifting of said suspension takes effect today (June 29, 2017), following TIHGI’s compliance with PAGCOR’s required security and safety improvements, which include but not limited to the following:
– Hired a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems;
– Increased number of x-ray machines and metal detectors;
– Doubled up deployment of guards with firearms;
– On-going review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios;
– Conducted additional safety and security seminars for employees;
– Had professional structural engineers assess building to ensure structural integrity;
– Obtained Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.
Aside from compliance with security and safety improvements, PAGCOR lifted the suspension order in consideration of TIHGI’s 6,000 gaming operations workforce, whose livelihood are now affected. Also, the government loses an average of P14 million per day or P434 million a month as a result of the suspension order.
PAGCOR, however, would like to maintain its position that the lifting of suspension order does not disregard TIHGI’s officers and personnel of any 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. ### PAGCOR
