The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) expects a decision soon on its proposal to separate its gaming regulatory functions from its commercial casino operations.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the proposal remains under review by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or-Controlled Corporations (GCG), with the agency expecting the review to conclude shortly.
Proposal Moves Toward Presidential Review
Tengco said the GCG will endorse the proposal to the Office of the President once its review is complete.
If approved by the President, an Executive Order would be issued to implement the separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and commercial functions.
PAGCOR currently performs both roles, overseeing the gaming industry while also operating casinos under the Casino Filipino brand.
PAGCOR Highlights Regulatory Independence
Tengco said separating the two functions would address concerns associated with a regulator overseeing commercial operations within the same industry.
“You do not want a regulator to regulate its own operations,” he said.
He described the proposal as a major institutional reform involving legal, financial, operational and human resource changes. The implementation process would therefore require careful planning across the agency.
PAGCOR has already begun preparing for the potential restructuring, including a future operating model in which its resources and expertise can focus primarily on regulation.
Private Sector Changes Gaming Market
Tengco also pointed to the growth of private-sector licensees as a factor behind the proposed change.
Since Casino Filipino was established, the Philippine gaming market has developed with a larger role for private operators. PAGCOR is therefore reassessing its commercial position as the industry evolves.
For licensed operators and suppliers, the proposed separation could mark a significant change in the structure of Philippine gaming oversight if approved.
The next step depends on the GCG review and subsequent consideration by the Office of the President.
