THE Commonwealth Casino Commission on Thursday voted to retain its officers.
Commission Chairman Edward C. Deleon Guerrero proposed “rotating” the officers’ positions among the commissioners, but Commissioner Mariano Taitano made a motion for “status quo.”
Taitano said he supports Deleon Guerrero’s idea, but with the ongoing litigation and the upcoming arbitration hearing next month in relation to the cases against Imperial Pacific International, “I believe it is not the best time to change the leadership.”
Commissioner Martin Mendiola agreed, saying this is not the time “to change the captain of the ship when we are going through rough waters.”
Vice Chairman Ralph S. Demapan, Commissioners Mendiola and Ramon Dela Cruz supported Taitano’s motion.
Deleon Guerrero remains chairman. Dela Cruz is still the secretary, Taitano is retained as the treasurer while Mendiola maintains his position as the board member in charge of public and media affairs.
Deleon Guerrero thanked his fellow commissioners for their confidence. He said he also appreciates that they all take their responsibilities very seriously, despite the “turbulent waters” they are going through right now.
“Who knows,” he added, “casino may still become a successful industry or we may just have to close the book and go home.”
Deleon Guerrero said one of the discussions he had with the Senate is internet gaming.
He said if the Legislature allows internet gaming, the commission would have to promulgate special regulations.
And if the commission would have to make decisions pertaining to internet gaming, he added, the commissioners should undergo training because internet gaming “is a completely different animal.”
From left, Commonwealth Casino Commissioners Martin Mendiola and Mario Taitano with Chairman Edward C. Deleon Guerrero share a light moment during a break from a regular meeting on Thursday in the commission’s conference room at Springs Plaza in Gualo Rai.
