In recent developments, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) has intensified its efforts to curb illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Under the leadership of CEO and Chairman Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR has undertaken a thorough review of licensing practices and initiated raids targeting illicit operators.
Regulatory Challenges and Revelations
Chairman Tengco, in a recent statement, emphasized PAGCOR’s role as a regulatory body tasked with ensuring that only legitimate operators hold licenses for gambling activities, whether they are land-based or online. He raised concerns about the dubious backgrounds of some POGO applicants who managed to secure licenses in the past. Tengco alluded to former high-ranking government officials allegedly involved in facilitating licenses for illegal POGOs, pointing to systemic flaws in the licensing process that enabled ineligible operators to thrive.
Scaling Down of Licensed Entities
Under the Marcos administration, a significant crackdown was launched against unlicensed offshore gaming operators, drastically reducing the number of legal POGO entities from 298 to 43. This reduction underscores the scale of the illicit activities that had permeated the industry, prompting stringent measures to reclaim regulatory control.
Recent Raids and Political Implications
The latest series of raids targeted illegal POGOs, resulting in the suspension and charging of ex-senator Alice Guo for her alleged connections to illicit operations. However, criticism has been levied against PAGCOR by Senator Villanueva, who accused the regulatory body of failing to effectively address the persisting issue of illegal activities within the POGO sector.
As PAGCOR continues its efforts to cleanse the industry of illegal POGOs and strengthen regulatory oversight, the challenges remain multifaceted. The revelations of improper licensing practices involving former officials highlight the need for robust reforms and greater transparency in the gaming sector. The future of POGOs in the Philippines hinges on the ability of regulatory authorities to enforce stringent compliance measures and root out illicit operators, ensuring a fair and lawful gambling environment.