P1M multa: House OKs penalties for game fixing

By Billy Begas

The House of Representatives on Tuesday night approved the proposed Anti-Game Fixing Act seeking to protect the integrity of professional and amateur sports in the country.

Game fixing was defined under House Bill 8870 as any arrangement, agreement, scheme or act or series of acts, wherein any person or persons, maliciously conduct or cause to be conducted any professional or amateur sports other than on the basis of the honest playing skill or ability of any player or participant in a game, race or sports competition in order to influence the process or to produce a pre-determined result for purposes of gambling, betting, or as part of a scheme to defraud the public on the conduct and outcome of the game.

Game fixing also include point-shaving, game machinations and the act of willfully abetting, aiding or including any person to commit game-fixing and profiting therefrom.

Game fixing is deemed committed by a syndicate if carried out by a group of three or more individuals conspiring to commit the prohibited acts.

The measure is principally authored by Deputy Speaker Michael Romero and 1-Pacman Rep. Enrico Pineda.

Under the measure, an individual who commits game fixing will be meted with three to six years imprisonment and fine ranging from P1 million to P5 million.

If the offender is an athlete, promoter, referee, umpire, judge or coach the penalty is six to 12 years imprisonment and fine of P1 million to P5 million.

If the violator is a member of a syndicate, the penalty is life imprisonment and fine of P10 million to P50 million.

If the offender is a public officer, the maximum penalty will be imposed plus perpetual disqualification from holding any public office or employment.

A foreign player, who violated the proposal, will be deported after serving the sentence.

The liability of minor students who have committed the offense shall be limited to administrative liability pursuant to the disciplinary rules and regulations of the school or institution to which they belong.

If the violator is engaged in professional sports he/she will be perpetually disqualified to participate in any competitive sport.

Those engaged in amateur sports if convicted for the second time will be disqualified to participate in any competitive sport.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)