THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Games and Amusements approved on Monday a motion to declare the authority of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) to issue gaming licenses as limited only to the province.

This effectively pronounced as illegal the jai alai off-fronton licenses allegedly issued by Ceza. The said “illegal” jai alai betting stations are being operated by a company allegedly controlled by controversial businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, the former gambling buddy of deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Legislators were prompted to declare these off-fronton stations illegal amid several court orders shielding jai alai frontons in many parts of the country.

During a hearing on the House’s inquiry into Ang’s alleged business operation, Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro made the motion to declare as illegal the jai alai off-fronton licenses allegedly issued by Ceza.

 Also, on the motion of Liberal Party Rep. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, the House panel also aired “grave concern” over acts of some court officials in restraining the government from closing down the illegal jai alai frontons.

Commissioner Aquil Tamano of the Games and Amusements Board reported to the panel that the cease and desist order issued by the agency against jai alai frontons has not been served as a result of the temporary restraining order issued by a court in Cagayan against GAB.

The GAB directive was issued after legislators assailed the grant by Ceza of a gaming franchise to Ang’s company.

Rodriguez agreed with Nationalist People’s Coalition Rep.  Napoleon Dy of Isabela that Ceza has abused its discretion of issuing gaming franchises, which power exclusively belongs to Congress.

Jai alai games and betting are supposed to be confined within Ceza territory in Cagayan but according to Rodriguez betting stations have been established in various parts of the Visayas and Luzon.