INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) on Thursday said legal action is underway for 33 Philippine offshore gaming licensees with unpaid fees.
“We are duty-bound to take a legal course of action. We are now in the process of gathering pertinent information to file appropriate cases against them,” said Pagcor Chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco in a statement.
This comes after several lawmakers criticized Pagcor after the corporation admitted that a P2.2-billion receivable from Pogos (Philippine offshore gaming operators) was left unpaid after the licensee left the country in the middle of the pandemic.
“[Our] records show that the operators, who were given licenses during the previous administration, have not paid their license fees for over a year now in violation of Section 4.C of the Offshore Gaming Regulatory Manual,” said Tengco.
Out of the 33 erring Pogo firms, Tengco said five have already closed, but he insisted that Pagcor will ensure that “what is due shall be dealt with legally.”
But citing the “dangers” that Pogos bring and the “small revenue” these firms contribute to the government, several Senators have already expressed their position to permanently ban offshore gaming operators in the country.