Presidential Decree No. 771 (PD 771) — Revoking All Powers and Authority of Local Government to Grant Franchise, License or Permit and Regulate Wagers or Betting by the Public on Horse and Dog Races, Jai-Alai or Basque Pelota, and Other Forms of Gambling
WHEREAS, it has been reported that in spite of the current
drive of our law enforcement agencies against vices and illegal
gambling, these social ills are still prevalent in many areas of the
country;
WHEREAS, there is a need to consolidate all the efforts of
the government to eradicate and minimize vices and other forms of social
ills in pursuance of the social and economic development program under
the new society;
WHEREAS, in order to effectively control and regulate wagers
or betting by the public on horse and dog races, jai-alai and other
forms of gambling there is a necessity to transfer the issuance of
permit and/or franchise from local government to the National
Government;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution,
do hereby order and decree:
SECTION 1. Any provision of law to the contrary
notwithstanding, the authority of Chartered Cities and other local
governments to issue license, permit or any form of franchise to
operate, maintain and establish horse and dog race tracks, jai-alai or
other forms of gambling is hereby revoked.
SEC. 2. Hereafter all permit or franchise to operate,
maintain and establish horse and dog race tracks, jai-alai and other
forms of gambling shall be issued by the national government upon proper
application and verification of the qualifications of the applicant: Provided,
That local governments may, upon clearance from the Chief of
Constabulary and during town fiestas and holidays, continue to issue
permits for minor games which are usually enjoyed by the people during
such celebrations.
SEC. 3. All existing franchises and permits issued by local
government are hereby revoked and may be renewed only in accordance with
this Decree.
SEC. 4. This Decree shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 20th day of August, in the year of
Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-five.
(Sgd.)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President
Republic of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.)
ALEJANDRO MELCHOR
Executive Secretary
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
