At the ASEAN Gaming Summit, CEZA CEO Katrina Ponce Enrile highlighted the authority's long-standing reputation for clean operations in online gaming since 2001, stressing no criminal issues have arisen under its watch.

A Legacy of Legitimate Licensing

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) stands as a beacon of compliance and integrity within the online gaming sector in the Philippines. During the recent ASEAN Gaming Summit in Taguig City, CEZA's CEO, Katrina Ponce Enrile, she made it clear that the authority has successfully issued interactive gaming licenses for over two decades without any criminal entanglements. This distinction sets CEZA apart as a pioneering economic zone in hosting financial technology companies and venturing into the online gaming space.

The POGO Regulation Debate

The regulation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has been contentious, with Enrile openly criticizing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's (PAGCOR) management of these entities. She suggested that oversight of offshore gaming should be transferred to freeports like CEZA, advocating for a more localized and effective regulatory framework. This approach would enable CEZA to focus on maximizing revenue and recovering funds that might otherwise be lost due to less stringent oversight.

Strengthening Oversight

Under Enrile's leadership, CEZA has implemented various strategies to ensure the integrity of its gaming operations. These include intensified monitoring of gaming activities, the enforcement of stricter regulatory measures, and the deployment of sophisticated monitoring systems. These efforts aim to prevent revenue leakage and guarantee that all licensees operate in a fair and equitable manner.

Promoting Business Efficiency

Highlighting the importance of a stable, transparent, and efficient business environment, Enrile underscored the initiatives under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's administration. These directives encourage investment and operational ease within the sector, aligning with CEZA's mission to attract and retain legitimate online gaming businesses.

Incentivizing Growth with Lower Taxes

CEZA has significantly reduced its franchise tax on gross gaming revenue to 5 percent to bolster its competitive edge and appeal to potential investors. This reduction from the previously higher rates indicates CEZA's commitment to fostering a growth-oriented environment for online gaming enterprises.

As CEZA continues to navigate the complexities of the online gaming industry, its focus on regulatory excellence, transparency, and business facilitation serves as a model for similar jurisdictions. The authority's ability to maintain a clean record, free from criminal activities, underscores its effectiveness in managing and promoting responsible gaming practices within the Philippines and beyond.