Law Summary
Definition of Terms
- Illegal Numbers Game: Unlawful gambling using numbers or combinations for jackpots.
- Jueteng: Local illegal lottery with combinations from numbers 1 to 37 or 38.
- Masiao: Illegal numbers game based on Jai Alai results or fictitious Jai Alai games.
- Last Two: Game betting on last two winning numbers from PCSO Sweepstakes.
- Bettor: Person placing bets for self or others, excluding illegal operation staff.
- Personnel/Staff: Persons assisting operators (e.g., cashiers, runners, guards).
- Collector/Agent: Individuals who solicit bets for principals and possess gambling paraphernalia.
- Coordinator/Controller/Supervisor: Supervises collectors or agents.
- Maintainer/Manager/Operator: Oversees illegal numbers game operations in specific areas.
- Financier/Capitalist: Funds illegal numbers game operations.
- Protector/Coddler: Provides protection or benefits related to illegal operations.
Punishable Acts
- Bettors: Imprisonment 30-90 days.
- Personnel/Staff: Imprisonment 6 years 1 day to 8 years; same applies for those allowing use of property for illegal games.
- Collectors/Agents: Imprisonment 8 years 1 day to 10 years.
- Coordinators/Supervisors: Imprisonment 10 years 1 day to 12 years.
- Maintainers/Managers/Operators: Imprisonment 12 years 1 day to 14 years.
- Financiers/Capitalists: Imprisonment 14 years 1 day to 16 years.
- Protectors/Coddlers: Imprisonment 16 years 1 day to 20 years.
Possession of Gambling Paraphernalia or Materials
- Possession of gambling paraphernalia is prima facie evidence of a covered offense.
Liability of Government Employees and/or Public Officials
- If involved as collectors, operators, etc., they face 12 years 1 day to 20 years imprisonment, fines of ₱3,000,000 to ₱5,000,000, and perpetual disqualification from public office.
- Local officials who tolerate illegal gambling face perpetual disqualification.
- Law enforcers failing to apprehend perpetrators face suspension or dismissal.
Liability of Parents/Guardians
- Imprisonment 6 months 1 day to 1 year or fines ₱100,000 to ₱400,000 for inducing minors or incapacitated persons to commit offenses.
- Convicted individuals lose authority over the minors or wards involved.
Recidivism
- Repeat offenders receive penalties one degree higher than originally prescribed.
Immunity from Prosecution
- Government witnesses who comply with rules receive immunity from criminal prosecution.
Prosecution, Judgment and Forfeiture of Property
- Prosecution under this Act is without prejudice to other laws.
- Properties related to illegal gambling are seized and held in custodia legis pending trial.
- Upon conviction, confiscation of proceeds, gambling paraphernalia, and properties is mandatory.
- Assets disproportionately large to lawful income are presumed proceeds of offense and subject to confiscation.
Witness Protection
- Informants providing material information for investigations are covered under the Witness Protection Program.
Informer's Reward
- Informers leading to arrest and conviction may receive a percentage of confiscated assets.
- DOJ, DILG, and NAPOLCOM will devise guidelines and incentive systems for effective enforcement.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DILG, DOJ, NAPOLCOM, and other agencies shall promulgate implementing rules within 60 days of effectivity.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any part of the Act does not affect the remaining provisions.
Amendatory Clause
- Inconsistent provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1602 are amended accordingly.
Repealing Clause
- Laws, decrees, or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified appropriately.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two national newspapers of general circulation.