The Philippines will not give in to China’s request to ban online gambling, said Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jose Santiago Sta. Romana.
“They can’t dictate on us. Those are sovereign decision[s]. That is where we stand,” Sta. Romana told reporters in Beijing.
Sta. Romana was reacting to questions whether the Philippines will reject the Chinese government’s plea.
Any form of gambling by Chinese citizens is illegal in China.
Sta. Romana said the Philippines is regulating online gambling amid concerns about Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) manned largely by Chinese citizens.
Last week, China urged the Philippines to ban all online gambling after the Chinese government stopped accepting applications for offshore gaming licenses until all concerns have been addressed.
