Maximum penalty of life imprisonment will be imposed against a public officer found guilty of game-fixing, point-shaving, or game machinations in any sports competition as provided under the bill endorsed for enactment by the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development.
The House panel unanimously approved House Bill 8870 or the “Anti-Game Fixing Act” that was filed by Deputy Speaker Michael L. Romero and Enrico Pineda, both of 1PACMAN Partylist.
Chaired by Isabela Rep. Faustino Michael T. Dy III, the youth and sports development panel strongly called for the immediate passage of HB 8870.
Romero, one of the country’s sports leaders, noted that there have been many reported cases of game fixing in Philippine sports, usually in popular sports like basketball and volleyball.
Despite reports of game-fixing or point-shaving scandals, there remains no law that could be relied upon to “deal severely with this reprehensible act which most definitely affects adversely he competitive spirit of Filipino sport.”
In the explanatory note of their bill, Romero and Pineda said: “This bill seeks to expand the elements and acts constituting the crime of game fixing and prescribe stiffer penalties, while promoting fair and competitive conduct of sports in the country.”
HB 8870 declares game-fixing in any professional or amateur sports unlawful.
Also prohibited are point-shaving or deliberately limiting the actual ability to make points or scores and game machination or any fraudulent, unfair or dishonest means employed fo the purpose of influencing the result of any game, race or sports contest..
Romero said exchange of money or proof of actual payment of cash or any valuable consideration will not be a requirement to constitute the crime of game-fixing. However, such will be considered a prima facie evidence of its commission.
According to Romero violators face a penalty of six- to 12-years imprisonment and/or fine of P1 to P5 million if the offender is an athlete, promoter, referee, umpire judge or coach.
For members of a syndicate penalty is life imprisonment. A fine ranging from P10 million to P50 million will also be imposed.
A public officer, whether elected or appointed, is also liable to the maximum penalty plus an accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any public office or employment.
Persons found guilty of proposing, attempting or conspiring to commit game-fixing will be meted a penalty of one to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of P500,000 to P1 million.