PAGCOR Pushes for Evolving Gaming Rules and Clearer Oversight

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, or PAGCOR, has said its regulatory framework must continue to evolve as the country’s gaming industry changes.

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PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the regulator must regularly assess how it can best fulfill its mandate as the industry grows and new challenges emerge.

Tengco made the remarks during a keynote address at The Regulators Forum, held at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on Thursday.

He said PAGCOR’s rules and processes should continue to develop as industry conditions change. The regulator must also use its experience to identify which approaches are working and where improvements may be needed.

Tengco said the agency should remain open to corrections, willing to learn, and ready to take action when change becomes necessary.

Stable Rules for Legitimate Operators

PAGCOR said an effective regulatory system should respond to real-world conditions while protecting the public and supporting legitimate gaming businesses.

As highlighted by Tengco, the regulatory authority ought to safeguard the integrity of the gaming industry as well. However, it is necessary for the license holders to work within an environment of stability and certainty.

The above is particularly significant since the Philippine gaming industry is growing. The regulator has to respond to the challenges that arise without creating any form of uncertainty.

Tengco’s remarks focused on the need for an adaptable framework. PAGCOR wants to ensure that its oversight remains relevant as conditions change across the gaming sector.

The agency’s role includes monitoring the industry, establishing standards, and taking action where rules need to be improved. Tengco said these responsibilities require continuous review rather than relying on a fixed approach.

Separation of PAGCOR Functions

Tengco also discussed the planned separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and operating functions.

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The proposal is part of the agency’s institutional reform. It would separate PAGCOR’s role as a regulator from its role in gaming operations.

According to Tengco, the decoupling would allow for a more effective regulatory function for PAGCOR and the setting of standards within the gaming industry.

The decoupling would, according to him, enable an even competition environment among the legitimate operators. Separating the 2 functions could give the agency a more focused role in regulating the industry.

The proposal remains under review by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations, or GCG.

The GCG is expected to make a decision soon. Its review is an important step before the proposal can move forward to the next stage.

Decision Moves to the President

Once the GCG completes its review, the proposal will be submitted to the Office of the President.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will then determine whether the separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and operating roles should move forward.

If the President finds merit in the proposal, an executive order will be issued to formalize the separation.

The proposed decoupling is intended to clarify PAGCOR’s responsibilities and strengthen its ability to oversee gaming operators. It is also connected to the regulator’s broader goal of providing stable and predictable rules for legitimate businesses.

No timeline was provided for when the GCG will complete its review or when the proposal could reach the Office of the President.

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Source: Asia Gaming Brief