Improvement in Phl gaming industry seen after PAGCOR’s switch to “purely regulatory” body

There's an expected improvement in the country's gaming industry as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation now transitioning into a "purely regulatory" body.

Senator Win Gatchalian said the PAGCOR's move will effectively prevent a "conflict of interest" within the agency's dual functions as a regulator and operator.

"Its decision to transition to becoming a purely regulatory body is commendable, representing a significant stride towards improving the governance of the gaming industry," Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, told reporters.

Senator Grace Poe cited the PAGCOR's move as a "step in the right direction" as it cannot "wear two hats at a time" at the same time.

"It gives the agency a conflicting role that has raised misgivings about its capability to effectively regulate the gaming industry," she said.

Poe stressed the need to regulate the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and other unauthorized gambling operations, which have brought social ills to the country and deprived the government of earnings.

"If PAGCOR can effectively regulate the gaming industry and weed out unscrupulous activities, then it could even generate better revenues to help fund more government projects," she added.

PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer, Alejandro Tengco, said the move is part of the agency's goal to "level the playing field and ensure future growth and viability for all gaming industry players."

"We have started preparing for this transition in earnest, and we are starting where it matters most – within PAGCOR itself," he said in his remarks during the opening of the IAG Academy Summit at the Hilton Manila last 13 September.

Tengco said the transitioning process is expected to be completed by 2025.

Gatchalian said he believes that the separation of PAGCOR's regulatory and commercial functions "will not only attract more private sector investments but also elevate the country's stature as a premier gaming destination in the region."

"Consequently, this is poised to significantly boost government revenues derived from the gaming industry," he added.

Gatchalian wants PAGCOR to impose stiffer penalties against illegalities perpetrated by the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in the country.

"Inaasahan natin na mas magiging mahigpit ang pangangasiwa ng PAGCOR sa industriya, kabilang ang mga POGOs sa bansa na ginagamit ng ilang kawatan sa paghahasik ng iba't ibang krimen kabilang ang human trafficking at kung anu-anong mga scam tulad ng investment, crypto-currency at love scam," he said.

Moreover, Gatchalian filed on Wednesday Committee Report 136 calling for the immediate expulsion of POGOs from the country to help maintain peace and order and sustain economic growth.

He said the report is aimed at" safeguarding the well-being of the Filipino people and maintaining a trajectory of growth and development in line with the administration's economic reforms."

Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed support for Gatchalian's committee report "calling for the adoption of a resolution urging the executive department to cease the operations of POGOs."

"I have always believed that a total ban on POGO is right and just," she said, hoping that it would be passed in Congress "as soon as possible."