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Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo reportedly left the Philippines in July, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros. During a Senate plenary session, Hontiveros revealed that Guo had departed the country and was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by July 18.  

The senator stated that Guo used her Philippine passport to exit the country and later travelled to Singapore to reunite with her family, who had flown in from China. Hontiveros expressed outrage, questioning how Guo managed to leave despite assurances from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that she would be barred from departing the country.  

Earlier, the Philippines’ Office of the Ombudsman ousted Guo from her mayoral post. According to the Ombudsman’s probe, Guo’s connections to Baofu Land Development Inc., which controlled the property housing the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations, persisted even after she assumed the mayoral office in 2022. ??

Following Hontiveros' revelations, Senator Raffy Tulfo echoed concerns about the possibility that Guo left the country on a chartered plane. Tulfo highlighted the lack of adequate processing centres for passengers of private aircraft, noting that these individuals could bypass standard immigration procedures. He emphasised the need to trace any chartered or private planes that left the country on the day of Guo's departure and to identify the customs, immigration, and quarantine officials on duty at that time.   

In a related development, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco disclosed that intelligence reports indicated Guo left the Philippines without passing through immigration controls. Tansingco confirmed that Guo had flown to Malaysia and subsequently to Singapore. He noted that although Guo's name was listed on the Department of Justice's immigration lookout bulletin, her departure was not recorded in the BI's system, raising concerns about potential lapses in monitoring informal exit points managed by other aviation or maritime agencies.  

Amid these conflicting reports, Guo's lawyer, Stephen David, maintained that she was still in the Philippines. David stated that he spoke with Guo online on Sunday, and she assured him that she had not left the country. He added that Guo had recently sworn under oath before a notary public in Bulacan, further affirming her presence in the Philippines. David acknowledged the potential legal repercussions if the notarization was conducted without Guo's physical presence and pledged to follow up on Senator Hontiveros' claims.  

The controversy surrounding Guo's whereabouts has left many questions unanswered. While senators continue to probe the circumstances of her reported departure, the BI faces scrutiny over its failure to track her movements. As investigations proceed, the truth behind Guo's location and the implications for Philippine law enforcement and immigration protocols remain in the spotlight.?

The Catholic Church's long-held view of gambling as a minor vice is now being reconsidered in light of the growing acceptance and accessibility of sports betting. An article in the US Catholic press explores the changing gambling sector, particularly highlighting the emergence of "platforms like DraftKings".

Sports gambling in the US has seen explosive growth, with the industry expanding by over 20 percent annually in the past five years. The American Gaming Association reports a staggering increase in the total amount wagered (handle) from $6.7 billion in 2018 to $120 billion by 2023. Notably, USA Today reported that a record 67.8 million people placed bets on the Super Bowl last February.

The US Catholic stated that once the Super Bowl was a family-friendly outing filled with popcorn, hot dogs, and perhaps a beer, but has now taken on a new dimension. Today, adult fans can place bets on the game right from their seats, wagering on everything from the next base hit to the final score. Across the country, ballparks are now equipped with betting kiosks, and mobile apps make it possible to gamble anytime, anywhere.

The expansion of legalised gambling can be traced back to states choosing to capitalise on the revenue potential of lotteries, a decision that shifted gambling from the fringes of society into the mainstream. This trend culminated in the 2018 US Supreme Court decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which had largely confined sports betting to Nevada. In response, 38 states and the District of Columbia have since legalised some form of sports betting, resulting in a significant new revenue stream for governments—a revenue stream that is growing rapidly and might even be fostering its own form of dependence.

The primary beneficiaries of this rapid expansion have been the gambling operators, both physical and digital, alongside marketing firms that have successfully normalised sports betting in the public consciousness. State and local governments have also profited from this trend, collecting significant tax revenue as sports betting becomes more widespread. But amidst this surge, one critical question remains: Who is protecting the vulnerable?

The article stated that gambling addiction, like any other addiction, can consume lives, . The fallout from sports gambling doesn't just affect the gambler; it ensnares their loved ones in a web of financial ruin and emotional pain. Research from the National Council on Problem Gambling indicates that the risk of addiction has risen by 30 percent between 2018 and 2021, with approximately 7 million Americans now grappling with problem gambling.

The Church offers limited guidance on gambling. The Catechism of the Catholic Church considers gambling a generally acceptable vice, but it warns that the "passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement." It further states that gambling becomes "morally unacceptable" when it deprives someone of the means to provide for themselves or others.

The troubling reality is that the dangers of gambling addiction often only become apparent once a person is already ensnared. With the proliferation of gambling opportunities across America and the availability of the internet, what was once seen as harmless fun has become a perilous experiment for many.

The widespread acceptance of sports betting has unleashed a cultural Pandora's box, with little consideration for the personal and familial devastation that is likely to follow, according to US Catholic.

The transfer saga surrounding Manchester United’s Scott McTominay has taken a dramatic turn as Fulham have reportedly met the ￡25 million asking price for the Scotland international. With McTominay's contract set to expire next year, United are keen to cash in on one of their most valuable assets before the transfer window closes.

McTominay, a product of United’s youth academy, has been a consistent performer for the Red Devils. His versatility and physical presence in midfield have made him a target for several top clubs. Over the summer, six teams expressed interest, including Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Napoli.

Initially, Fulham seemed to have dropped out of the race after their ￡20 million bid was rejected. However, they have now re-entered the fray, matching United’s valuation of ￡25 million. This move has intensified the competition, particularly with Napoli, who are also keen on securing McTominay’s services.

Napoli’s interest in McTominay is driven by their new manager, Antonio Conte, who sees the Scottish midfielder as a key addition to his squad. Despite Fulham’s renewed efforts, McTominay reportedly prefers a move to Napoli, attracted by the prospect of working under Conte and competing in Serie A.

Napoli’s sporting director, Giuntoli Manna, has remained tight-lipped about the club’s pursuit of McTominay. Ahead of Napoli’s 3-0 loss to Hellas Verona, Manna stated, “McTominay is a very good player, but he’s not our player so no comment. Full focus on the game and then we focus on transfers.” This cautious approach suggests that Napoli are carefully considering their next move in response to Fulham’s bid.

Fulham’s determination to sign McTominay is part of their broader strategy to strengthen their squad. The Cottagers have already made several signings this summer, including Ryan Sessegnon, Emile Smith Rowe, and Jorge Cuenca. The sale of key player Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich has freed up funds, allowing Fulham to make a serious push for McTominay.

For Manchester United, the sale of McTominay paves the way for new midfield acquisitions. United have been linked with Manuel Ugarte and Sander Berge as potential replacements. The club’s willingness to sell McTominay reflects their broader strategy of rejuvenating the squad under manager Erik ten Hag.

As the transfer window deadline approaches, the battle for McTominay’s signature is set to reach its climax. Fulham’s willingness to meet United’s asking price has forced Napoli to accelerate their negotiations. The coming days will be crucial in determining where McTominay will ply his trade next season.

The outcome of this transfer saga will not only impact McTominay’s career but also shape the fortunes of Fulham and Napoli in the upcoming season. Both clubs are eager to upscale their midfield options, and McTominay’s decision will be pivotal in their quest for success.

Poker enthusiasts in the Czech Republic have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of GGPoker, which was to open in the country following its licensing in early 2023. However, this much-anticipated launch may be indefinitely postponed.

At the start of 2023, GGPoker obtained an online poker licence in the Czech Republic, thanks to a partnership with King's Casino. According to the Czech Ministry of Finance, GGPoker has either lost or surrendered its licence. The Ministry’s list of licensed gambling operators, which is updated bi-monthly, included GGPoker.cz in June but no longer features it in the August edition.

The exact reasons for GGPoker's loss of its Czech licence remain speculative. However, the timing suggests that legislative changes introduced earlier this year could be a key factor. These regulations included an increased gambling tax. they also require online poker rooms to implement tight measures, such as self-exclusion options and a "panic button" that allows players to block themselves from all licensed poker rooms within the country. These requirements are not only challenging to integrate but also come with significant costs.

GGPoker’s representative in the Czech Republic, King’s Slots, has the option to reapply for a licence once they have met the new legal standards. There is also a possibility that GGPoker might adapt its software for other markets and use this modified version to re-enter the Czech market.

For now, Czech poker players will have to carry on using the two online poker rooms currently available to them. Despite the setbacks, GGPoker has confirmed its exit from the Czech market but hinted at potential future plans. A company spokesperson mentioned that they are reassessing their strategy for this jurisdiction and are considering reapplying for a licence when conditions are favourable.