President Noynoy Aquino on Friday said gaming establishments of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) should not be established outside of tourist hubs.

This is one of the things being considered by the Aquino administration as part of the review of the operations of the government-owned and -controlled corporation running casinos and other games of chance in preparation for its eventual sale.

“We're still trying to ferret out everything that has transpired. For instance, you're all witness to a proliferation of so many gaming establishments and some of them I don't agree with. There are zero tourists in that particular area yet there exists that gaming facility that should really target the tourism industry,” Aquino said when asked if there is a timeline for his plan to privatize Pagcor.

He said many gaming establishments are in wrong locations.

"Actually there is one in Tagaytay, but there is also one in Cavite. There was (also) a proposal to put one in Tarlac. Tarlac is situated very near Angeles (Pampanga)  which has at least two (casinos). One in Clark, one in Angeles, which are near also to Subic which also has its own. Then you'll also put in Tarlac? In Tarlac, we will admit we are not a tourist destination yet," he said.

“We are still in the process of finding out what the problems are to be able to fix it. If you ask me about a timeline, the timeline will be based on the problems that are discovered, number one, and second, the time needed to effect the solutions and maximize the benefits due the people,” he said.