Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, the Philippine gaming regulator, has made significant announcements regarding the agency’s crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the regulatory reforms implemented under his leadership. Tengco has emphasized the reduction in offshore gaming licenses from 298 to 43, highlighting efforts to purge the industry of dubious operators. Additionally, he has hinted at exposing former high-ranking government officials allegedly involved in facilitating licenses for illegal POGOs.
Current Challenges and Regulatory Response
Under Tengco’s tenure, PAGCOR has faced the challenge of cleaning up a sector marred by illegal activities. The agency’s stringent measures aim to ensure that only legitimate operators with valid licenses operate within the Philippine gambling industry, whether in brick-and-mortar casinos or online platforms. Tengco’s recent statements underscore a commitment to upholding regulatory integrity and combating criminal elements that exploit the gaming framework.
Reduction in POGO Licenses
Tengco’s tenure has seen a drastic reduction in the number of POGO licenses issued by PAGCOR. From a peak of 298 licenses, the current count stands at 43. This reduction reflects a systematic effort by PAGCOR to scrutinize and eliminate licenses obtained under questionable circumstances, targeting entities with dubious backgrounds and illicit operations. The decrease in licenses signifies a shift towards a more regulated and transparent gambling environment in the Philippines.
Exposing Alleged Government Complicity
In a bold move, Tengco has vowed to identify and expose a former high-ranking government official purportedly involved in facilitating licenses for illegal POGOs. This revelation is poised to shed light on the systemic issues that allowed illicit operators to flourish in the past. By addressing the role of former officials in the licensing process, Tengco aims to hold accountable those who may have compromised regulatory standards for personal gain.
Regulatory Mandate and Public Interest
As emphasized by Tengco, PAGCOR’s primary mandate is to safeguard public interest by ensuring the legality and integrity of all gambling activities under its jurisdiction. The crackdown on illegal POGOs is framed not only as a regulatory necessity but also as a measure to protect citizens from the adverse effects of unregulated gambling, which often includes criminal activities detrimental to societal well-being.
Alejandro Tengco’s leadership at PAGCOR marks a pivotal period of reform and regulatory tightening within the Philippine gambling industry. The reduction of POGO licenses and the promise to expose alleged governmental complicity underscore a commitment to transparency and accountability. Moving forward, PAGCOR’s efforts will likely continue to focus on eradicating illicit gambling operations while promoting a fair and regulated environment for legitimate industry players.