Marcos to Pagcor: Be a catalyst for greater achievements

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to sustain its crackdown on illicit activities and to render service that would leave a mark not just in the gaming industry, but on society as a whole.

Speaking during the 40th anniversary celebration of Pagcor in Pasay City yesterday, Marcos urged the gaming regulator to be a “catalyst for even greater achievement in the years ahead.”

“Let this anniversary therefore be a call to the future, a future where Pagcor is at the front and center in reshaping the gaming landscape with responsible practices, unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to combatting illicit activities,” the President said.

“It is my hope that this anniversary will inspire you to continue setting new standards and keep being at the forefront of an industry that is not only financially successful but also socially impactful and, most importantly, socially relevant,” he added.

While Marcos urged Pagcor to sustain its commitment in fighting illegal activities, he did not mention the issues surrounding Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which have been tied to criminal activities like money laundering, tax evasion, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping and bribery of immigration personnel.

Last January, Marcos said he needed a “good reason” to ban POGOs, noting that the problem lies in illegal operators. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno had expressed support for the banning of POGOs, citing what he called their social and reputational risks.

In the same speech, Marcos cited Pagcor’s contributions and support for the tourism, education, sports and health sectors. He also lauded Pagcor officials and employees for going beyond fulfilling their corporate task and playing an “active part in nation building.”

“May you remain a shining example of what it means to be workers at Pagcor: individuals who stand firm in their dedication to service, excellence and integrity, who are determined to leave their mark not only in gaming industry but in our society as a whole,” the Chief Executive said.

Pagcor was created in 1983 through Presidential Decree 1869 issued by then president Ferdinand Marcos.

In a statement, PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco said that for 40 years, the gaming regulator’s total contribution to nation building has reached about P607 billion, while its total dividend remittances since 2011 stood at P64 billion. He said under the present administration, the agency’s contribution to nation building has amounted to P45 billion and is projected to reach P70 billion by the end of the year.

Pagcor has partnered with Melco Resorts Philippines Foundation Corp., the charitable arm of the City of Dreams Manila, in funding the construction and purchase of medical and non-medical equipment for the Presidential Security Group Station Hospital. It has also forged a partnership with the Bloomberry Foundation to help establish the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital in Pampanga.

Pagcor also funded the rehabilitation of sports facilities used for the 30th Southeast Asian Games by donating P842.5 million to the Philippine Sports Commission.

POGO corruption

Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said POGO operations in the country have “corrupted” institutions, from law enforcement to gaming regulators, as he warned of the risks in allowing offshore games to continue and thrive.

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum yesterday, Gatchalian said corruption of public officials has spread not only among officials of Pagcor but also among law enforcers.

He was reacting to allegations of Sen. Raffy Tulfo that the police are putting a price on the freedom of foreign nationals rounded up in a raid on Xinchuang Network Technologies in Las Piñas on June 26.

At a press conference on July 10, Tulfo said foreign nationals were being used as “milking cows” by the police, who haggled with their embassies for their release from custody, for cash.