PAGCOR funds National Bureau of Investigation in fight against illegal gambling
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has pledged PHP 50m ($859,000) to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to aid its operations against illegal gambling.
Key points:
– PAGCOR has committed Php 50m to the NBI, which combats illegal gambling including the banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)
– The first half of the money was signed over immediately, while the rest is commited to be paid later
– The funds will finance food and expenses of POGO detainees according to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO, Alejandro H. Tengco
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is stepping in to assist the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) financially with its fight against criminal gambling operations.
Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, Alejandro H. Tengco, signed a memorandum of agreement committing it to a full outlay additional PHP 50m ($859,000), while PHP 25m of that sum was paid immediately during a meeting between the two organisations.
Tengco has suggested the deal demonstrates a shared commitment to undermining illegal gaming operations in the country, including the now banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
During the ceremony in which the MoA was signed, NBI Director, Jaime Santiago, reflected this claim, saying: “The NBI welcomes PAGCOR’s assistance as it will enable us to step up our operations against illegal POGOs and other unlawful gaming activities. This partnership affirms our shared duty to uphold the law and protect the Filipino people.”
Good to know: PAGCOR previously allocated another PHP 50m towards helping to fund the deportation of foreign workers employed by the now illegal POGOs
PAGCOR’s stated mission is to regulate the growing gaming industry in the Philippines and help to secure and maintain the Government revenues that come through it – for this to happen, protecting the regulated industry from the black market is a necessity.
POGOs were banned in Summer 2024 and now fall into that category, with work permits of those employed by them lasting only until the end of that year.
Tengco added: “Illegal gambling operators undermine our laws, exploit our people, and put our communities at risk. By working hand in hand with the NBI, we are sending a strong message that we will not allow unlawful gaming practices to persist.”
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