An Act Granting The Philippine Jai-Alai And Amusement Corporation A Franchise To Operate, Construct And Maintain A Fronton For Basque Pelota And Similar Games Of Skill In The Greater Manila

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 810

Grants the Philippine Jai-Alai and Amusement Corporation a franchise to operate, construct and maintain a fronton for Basque pelota and similar games of skill in the Greater Manila area for 25 years, extendable for another 25 years without need for another franchise. (Section 1)

• The games shall be under the supervision of the Games and Amusements Board, which shall enforce laws, rules and regulations governing Basque pelota. (Section 1)
• The grantee or its authorized agents may offer, take or arrange bets within or outside the fronton, subject to the Board's supervision. (Section 2)
• Unauthorized betting on the games is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 pesos or imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both. (Section 2)
• The grantee shall provide mechanical and/or computerized devices for betting, sound system, facilities for public safety and convenience, and other instruments for clean, honest and orderly games within 3 years. (Section 3)
• The Board shall assign auditors and inspectors to supervise betting, dividend computation and distribution of wager funds. (Section 3)
• 85% of the total wager fund shall be distributed as dividends, 11.5% as the grantee's commission fee, and 3.5% for special health, educational, civic, cultural, charitable, social welfare, sports, and other similar projects as directed by the President. (Section 4)
• The breakage (fraction of 10 centavos eliminated from dividends) shall also be set aside for the special projects. (Section 4)
• The grantee is authorized to hold games on all days except Sundays and official holidays. (Section 5)
• The provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 485 (as amended) are incorporated, but this Act takes precedence over inconsistent laws. (Section 6)
• The grantee cannot lease, transfer, grant usufruct, sell or assign the franchise or merge with another entity without the President's approval. (Section 7)
• The grantee is authorized to use the existing fronton, stadium and facilities along Taft Avenue, Manila, belonging to the government. (Section 8)