The Fontana Resort and Country Club has had all of its operations, including those of its casino ‘indefinitely suspended’.
According to local media reports, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) issued a cease and desist order for both Fontana Resort and Country Club Incorporation (FRCCI) and the Fontana Development Corporation, including the operations of sub-lessees.
This includes the casino operation, as well as the 52-hectare property being managed by the Korea Country Club.
In a social media post on Facebook, the CDC noted that the measure was due to ‘numerous violations committed by FDC, including failure to meet financial obligations, non-fulfillment of commitments under the Lease Agreement, and non-compliance with the Fire Code and National Building Code, among others’.
Failure to comply with the cease and desist order could result in the ‘termination and the enforcement of the provisions of the signed 31st August 2016 Consolidated Lease Agreement’.
The group has reportedly already received two cease and desist letters from the CDC – in 2016 and in 2020 – but both suspensions were eventually lifted.
The 2016 suspension was ordered by then-president Rodrigo Duterte – encompassing the main casino and 15 casino rooms, alongside orders for the arrest of gambling mogul Jack Lam, for alleged bribery and economic sabotage, indicate reports.
The casino was shut down due to lack of permits as well as legal and immigration documents, while authorities were also investigating claims of illegal gambling.
The current shut down is believed affect more than 500 employees at the property, including about 230 from the casino.
