Poe: ‘High time’ for Pagcor to stick to regulating gaming industry

FILE PHOTO: Senator Grace Poe during a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on March 20, 2023. (Voltaire Domingo/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe said it’s high time for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to cease all other activities except gaming regulation.

“We have seen how its conflicting functions have resulted in its failure to do due diligence in the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and e-sabong, which have ushered in crimes and other social ills,” the legislator said in a statement.

READ: Pagcor is blind about where exactly Pogo players are wagering

Although Poe recognized the need for the government to generate revenues, she believes the job would be done much better by a separate agency or even the private sector.

“Pagcor can train its sights to guarantee a level playing field among industry players, prevent illegal activities and ensure the people’s welfare is protected from potential social harm,” she said.

READ: E-sabong is back? No, says Pagcor

Before this, Pagcor’s new leadership disclosed it is “seriously considering” solely directing its attention on its regulatory role and possibly privatizing its self-operated casinos nationwide.

READ: Pagcor mulls regulatory-only role, privatizing casinos

Over the past months, Pagcor had been embroiled in many controversies as several senators, including Poe, repeatedly criticized the state-run gaming firm for its seeming negligence in cracking down illicit gaming operations under its watch. – Meralyn Melitante, trainee

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