State-Run gambling firm Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said construction of its USD 10-billion Entertainment City on Manila Bay will start in the first quarter next year—and despite the financial crisis that has delayed a number of casino projects in Asia. The complex would allow Pagcor to more than double its income to about USD 1.3 billion by 2012, a company official said. “We see no problems hampering construction,” the official said.

After several hurdles - ranging from regulatory to moral issues - the construction of Entertainment City, touted as the Philippines' Las Vegas version, is finally set to start by early next year. The local government of Paranaque recently gave its official endorsement for the project's tourism ecozone status, the last in its long list of pre-construction requirements. The city hall resolution provides tax incentives and real property tax postponement to investors