Pagcor to fast-track review on third-party auditor

MANILA, Philippines — State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) will expedite its review on the third-party auditor for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) found to have no business permit and were remiss in paying taxes.

In a statement, PAGCOR maintained that Global ComRCI’s contract went through proper bidding process and met all legal requirements under the procurement law.

Earlier this week, PAGCOR officials were grilled by lawmakers in the Senate on the suspicious credentials of the consortium.

“With the assumption of the new leadership of PAGCOR, the contract of Global ComRCI was put under review last September 2022,” the state gaming agency said. “We assure the senators that the review will soon be finished and released at the proper time.”

The gaming agency noted that it has been in contact with Global ComRCI and is currently assessing the contract’s terms and conditions and the company’s performance.

PAGCOR is mandated by law to tap the services of an independent or third-party auditor to examine POGO books to determine how much income taxes should be levied on them.

However, lawmakers argued that Global ComRCI is facing lawsuits and has changed business address thrice, among other misdemeanors.

On POGO-related kidnappings, PAGCOR said there have been no reported criminal activities or kidnapping-related incidents of workers in the offshore licensing industry for over three months after partnerships with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Bureau of Immigration and Anti-Money Laundering Council were strengthened to forestall any illegal activities and labor practices related to POGOs.

PAGCOR maintained that it is closely monitoring the cases involving MOA Cloudzone Corp. and Brickhartz Technology Inc.

The case against MOA Cloudzone was dismissed by the Department of Justice while the other is still under investigation.

“We wish to reiterate that we do not take these reports lightly and we will ensure that all gaming licensees abide by the law,” PAGCOR said.

“We will take the necessary actions, including the cancellation of licenses and service provider accreditations, if found warranted,” it said.