The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is set to commence litigation against 33 offshore gaming entities. As conveyed by Alejandro Tengco, the Corporation’s Executive Officer and Chair, these organizations have neglected to remit billions of pesos in fees.
In his commentary, Tengco elucidated that the accused include those who have exited the Philippines’ gaming landscape. The collective outstanding liability from the present and former licensees, he asserted, stands at P2.02 billion, equivalent to approximately $36 million USD.
PAGCOR noted that the implicated businesses were given licenses during the preceding tenure. The gaming body stressed their failure to settle licensing dues for over a year, contravening regulations specified in Section 4.C of the Offshore Gaming Regulatory Manual of the Philippines.
Tengco highlighted the fact that despite reminders and warnings from PAGCOR, these operators have failed in their obligation to settle dues owed.
Choosing to instigate legal proceedings against these businesses comes within two weeks of the issuance of revised rules for online license holders. The corporation has placed all businesses under “probationary status,” mandating the necessity to reapply for their licenses.
All Corporations Will be Held to Account by PAGCOR
According to PAGCOR, three amongst the aforementioned offshore gaming businesses received bills as of May 2023. Additionally, a couple of these were referred to PAGCOR’s Legal Group in February 2023.
The gaming regulator confirmed that 5 of these entities against whom action is being taken have ceased operations within the country. Several licensed during past administrations were compelled to terminate their operations in the wake of the pandemic, as Tengco disclosed.
However, irrespective of this fact, Tengco asserted that these corporates will still be taken to task for their breaches of Philippine law. He pledged himself to the task of ensuring that these offenders remit their outstanding liabilities.
The PAGCOR CEO stated that duty requires the Corporation to undertake this legal path. The Corporation is presently compiling relevant facts and will proceed to lodge proper cases against these entities.
He declared his intention to rigidly enforce the rules of operation within all licensed offshore entities.
PAGCOR remains committed to overseeing that all regulated gaming entities – comprising offshore gaming operators and service providers – are in compliance with our established regulatory practices, inclusive of punctual payment of fees and taxes.
Alejandro Tengco, Chair & CEO, PAGCOR
These announcements come in the wake of PAGCOR publicizing its intention to rebrand and privatize numerous casinos in the country.
