QuestionsQuestions (PRC)
To promote and direct the accelerated development and continuous growth of horse racing as part of the government’s sports program, and to ensure full exploitation of horse racing as a source of revenue and employment.
PHILRACOM is composed of a Chairman and four (4) members. Commissioners serve a four (4)-year term, with rules on filling vacancies only for the unexpired portion and on holdover until successors are appointed and qualified.
At least three (3) members must vote in favor.
It has exclusive jurisdiction and control over every aspect of horse racing, including framing and scheduling of races, construction and safety of tracks, allocation of prizes, security of racing, and other powers/duties under applicable laws (including PD 420).
Examples include: enforcing laws and regulations on horse racing; adopting/prescribing rules; issuing permits/licenses and collecting fees; registering racehorses and owners/associations; supervising race meetings to assure integrity; prohibiting improper devices/drugs to enhance/diminish speed or harm horses; postponing/abandoning races under certain conditions; and summoning parties/issuing subpoenas for investigations.
The Executive Director is head of the office and has overall supervision over conduct of horse racing, with those directly involved under his immediate supervision. The Assistant Executive Director assists him and assumes the office in case of incapacity.
It is composed of a Chairman and six (6) members appointed by PHILRACOM. A majority vote of the Stewards is necessary for a valid act/ruling/decision.
A Steward must be of legal age, of good moral character, physically and mentally fit, have at least two (2) years of college education, have passed the PHILRACOM examination, and obtain the corresponding license.
Stewards cannot be Handicappers. They may act as Judges in the event of temporary incapacity of the Judges, provided they are separately licensed as such.
Any penalty/punishment meted out by the Racing Stewards cannot be reconsidered by them after the log book has been signed.
They must observe due process, and apply/impose/enforce penalties provided in the rules against erring parties, except when proceedings are summary.
They give the starter the order to start the race; investigate incidents; annul any race before horses reach the finish line where a bad start or other incident makes annulment necessary; and order cancellation of races if warranted.
Stewards may annul any race before the horses reach the finish line where necessary due to a bad start or other incidents, and they also have authority to investigate incidents related to conduct of races.
Examples include: adequate and well-maintained race tracks and grandstands; adequate starting facilities; starting gate and personnel for schooling; open track hours on non-racing days; electric/electronic computers for bet registration and computation of odds/dividends; photo finish devices; weighing machines; photo patrol equipment and video tape recorders; emergency medical clinic and ambulance; communication systems; and others as PHILRACOM may require.
Judges determine placings, but their decision is subject to confirmation by the Board of Stewards. If Stewards disagrees with the Judges’ findings, Stewards’ decision prevails.
The Board shall declare a deadheat.
If 21 or over: must have capacity to contract; must show financial ability (submit income tax returns for last three years and/or proof of financial capability); must be of good moral character and recommended by a registered/licensee. If under 21: may apply if daughter/son of a licensed owner with an undertaking by parent/legal guardian, or as a ward vis-a-vis legal guardian with undertakings and full disclosure; plus other conditions like lease rules if relevant.