The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost data protection and regulatory compliance across the country’s gaming sector. The agreement, formalized on Monday at PAGCOR’s Pasay City headquarters, marks a coordinated effort. It aims to tackle data privacy challenges in an industry handling sensitive information at scale.
Commitment to Protecting Personal Data
PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized that the partnership reflects the state-run gaming firm’s dedication to safeguarding the personal data of employees, licensees, and gaming patrons.
“This MOU with the NPC is a vital step in aligning PAGCOR’s policies with the evolving data privacy landscape,” Tengco said. “It reinforces our duty to protect personal information while ensuring our operations remain transparent and compliant.”
He further noted that the collaboration would help establish a national database of government officials and employees prohibited from gambling in casinos. This strengthens efforts in responsible gaming.
Inter-Agency Cooperation Key to Security
NPC chairman and privacy commissioner John Henry Naga praised PAGCOR’s initiative. He highlighted that cross-agency cooperation is essential for maintaining data security in high-risk industries.
“Protecting citizens’ personal data is not just a regulatory requirement—it is also a mark of excellence in the gaming industry,” Naga said.
Training and Capacity Building
The partnership grew out of a privacy training workshop for state-owned firms. During the event, PAGCOR’s data privacy officer Maria Concepcion Gloria-Rubio proposed a framework to enhance compliance.
Under the MOU, PAGCOR and NPC will launch joint programs focusing on privacy awareness, capacity building, and policy development. These initiatives aim to improve governance standards and strengthen public trust in the Philippines’ gaming sector.
