Philippine legislators are now divided over a proposal to require casino operators to get congressional franchises.

ABS-CBN News reported that Philippine House Speaker had been pushing for the amendment of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) charter, specifically the removal of the agency’s regulatory functions over casinos

Alvarez opened the second regular session of the 17th Congress on Monday by dangling the proposal in front of the 296 members of the House of Representatives, saying such move would “make certain that the public’s interest will always be protected.”

“This will make certain that their applications are scrutinized deeply. Only the deserving will be allowed to operate,” Alvarez said.