DigiPlus Wins Arbitration In Midas Hotel Dispute With Zaldy Co

Published on December 1, 2025

Disputes continue to take place over Zaldy Co, a former legislator, and businessman, and DigiPlus Interactive Corp, the owner and operator of several gaming platforms on the web like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. While Co has already received national focus coverage for being implicated for a scheme of corruption in the country, now Co has new legal problems surrounding his business ventures regarding Midas Hotel and Casino, which is a mainstay in the country’s tourism industry.

The dispute of Co’s Eco Leisure and Hospitality Holdings Co and DigiPlus has to do chiefly regarding the management and ownership of Midas Hotel and Casino, one of the main establishments in the local tourism and hospitality industry. These legal battles are concerning; to say the least and warrant attention and curiosity on the part of the public to the extent these are to determine the future of the hotel and the tourism industry of the Philippines.

Arbitration Victory and Legal Battle Overturn Attempt

The legal conflict has its roots in an arbitration case that was previously settled in favour of DigiPlus, which sought to resolve its ongoing issues with Co’s business interests in Midas Hotel and Casino. The arbitration case ended with DigiPlus being granted a favourable ruling. However, Co, determined to overturn this decision, filed for a reversal in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasig City.

As per government reports, the case remains unresolved as Co continues to challenge the arbitration decision in court. This legal struggle threatens to prolong uncertainties surrounding the future of Midas Hotel and Casino, potentially affecting its role as a prominent destination for both local and international tourists.

A Deepening Conflict in the Hospitality Sector

The ongoing legal dispute has broader implications for the Philippine tourism and hospitality industry. The issue surrounding Midas Hotel and Casino, which serves as both a hotel and a gaming hub, is particularly significant due to its dual role in attracting both business and leisure tourists. As tensions between DigiPlus and Co’s Eco Leisure escalate, questions are being raised about the long-term sustainability of such partnerships and their effect on the hotel’s operations.

Midas Hotel, located in Pasay City, has long been a fixture for those visiting the area for both leisure and business purposes. With a range of amenities including high-end hotel rooms, casino services, and event spaces, it contributes significantly to the country’s tourism revenue. The resolution of this legal conflict will likely have a substantial impact on the operations of the hotel, which serves as a major tourism asset in the region.

A Strained Relationship with Eco Leisure

The ongoing challenges in the partnership between DigiPlus and Co’s Eco Leisure have their roots in a growing sense of dissatisfaction between the two parties. According to available information, DigiPlus had initially considered selling its stake in Midas Hotel and Casino after concerns were raised regarding Co’s role in the partnership. Government sources indicate that these concerns were based on what DigiPlus viewed as problematic business practices within Eco Leisure. This led to initial discussions of a sale valued at approximately P2.5 billion.

However, Eco Leisure invoked its right of first refusal, effectively preventing the sale and offering to purchase DigiPlus’s stake itself. This move only served to intensify the ongoing legal dispute, particularly as Eco Leisure sought to acquire DigiPlus’s shares under conditions that have now become the subject of further legal scrutiny. While the deal has not been fully realised, the ongoing battle over ownership stakes and business control continues to ripple through the tourism industry.

Tourism Sector Under Pressure: Potential Consequences for Midas Hotel

With Midas Hotel and Casino in the spotlight, the impact of this legal struggle on the tourism sector cannot be understated. The Philippines’ hospitality and tourism industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, particularly following the economic effects of the global pandemic. The outcome of this dispute between DigiPlus and Co’s Eco Leisure could have far-reaching consequences for the perception of foreign and local investments in the Philippine tourism industry.

If Midas Hotel is unable to maintain stability due to the ongoing legal challenges, it may face difficulties in attracting tourists and investors. This, in turn, could affect the surrounding hospitality sector, with potential losses in revenue for nearby businesses and hotels. The case, while rooted in business disputes, has thus far brought attention to the significant role that such legal conflicts can play in the broader tourism landscape.

Government Involvement and Oversight

Government sources have indicated that regulatory bodies are closely monitoring the situation, particularly with regards to its impact on the tourism industry. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed concerns about the long-term effects of unresolved legal disputes on the country’s ability to attract and retain both local and international visitors. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has also been alerted to the issue, given the gambling and entertainment nature of Midas Hotel and Casino.

As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, government agencies remain vigilant, ensuring that the resolution of the dispute does not negatively impact the reputation of the Philippines as a key destination for tourism and leisure activities. The long-term stability of businesses in the tourism sector remains a priority for regulators as they work to balance legal issues with the health of the industry.

Overview

As disputes in Zaldy Co and DigiPlus Interactive’s case continue, Midas Hotel and Casino’s future is still uncertain. The case is not only a dispute battle between the parties but has consequences for the entire Philippines tourism sector. The affected parties are involved in the case’s business and tourism components. The case has the potential to mold the hospitality sector for the coming years.