The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) says its regulatory framework must continue to evolve as the country’s gaming industry changes and new technologies create emerging challenges.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco made the remarks during The Regulators Forum at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on September 17, highlighting the need for regulators to regularly assess existing rules and improve their approach where necessary.
PAGCOR Reviews Regulatory Framework
Tengco said regulators need to remain open to learning, correcting weaknesses and adapting their processes as industry conditions change.
For PAGCOR, this means balancing effective oversight with a stable environment for legitimate gaming businesses. The agency continues to monitor developments across the sector and assess whether its regulatory approach remains appropriate as the market expands.
The comments follow PAGCOR’s recent focus on keeping regulation aligned with technological developments, including the rapid growth of electronic gaming and the use of artificial intelligence.
Decoupling Proposal Remains Under Review
Tengco also provided an update on PAGCOR’s proposed separation of its regulatory and commercial functions.
The Governance Commission for Government-Owned or-Controlled Corporations (GCG) is currently reviewing the proposal. PAGCOR expects the commission to issue a decision soon, after which the proposal would move to the Office of the President for evaluation.
The proposed decoupling would separate PAGCOR’s role as gaming regulator from its commercial operations. Tengco has previously described the reform as a way to strengthen the agency’s regulatory focus as the private gaming sector continues to develop.
Final Decision Rests With President
If the GCG endorses the proposal and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approves it, an Executive Order would formalise the separation.
PAGCOR said the reform involves legal, financial, operational and human-resource considerations and therefore requires careful implementation.
The regulatory changes come as the Philippine gaming industry continues to evolve, particularly in electronic gaming. For operators, suppliers and other industry stakeholders, the direction of PAGCOR’s reforms could shape how the regulator sets standards, oversees licensed businesses and responds to new technologies.
