The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced on September 29 that it has provided a total of 50 million pesos in funding to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) specifically for combating illegal gambling and illegal offshore gaming operators (POGO). This funding will be used to strengthen law enforcement actions and related operational expenses, marking the latest move by the Philippine government to further strengthen the regulation of the gaming industry.
Funding Support and Cooperation Agreement
A formal signing ceremony was held at the PAGCOR headquarters in Pasay City, where the first tranche of 25 million pesos was allocated on the spot. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and NBI Director Jaime Santiago both attended the ceremony and signed the cooperation agreement.
The special fund will primarily support the NBI in combating illegal gambling activities, especially targeting unlicensed POGO operators. The funds will also cover operational expenses and personnel costs involved in the enforcement process.
PAGCOR's Regulatory Mission and Stance
During the ceremony, Chairman Tengco emphasized the agency's "dual mission": to regulate the legal gaming industry and ensure that gaming revenues benefit the Filipino people. He clearly stated that illegal gambling activities not only violate the law but also have a corrosive impact on society and communities.
Tengco pointed out that this cooperation sends a clear signal to the public that the Philippine government has a zero-tolerance attitude towards illegal gambling activities. This stance reflects the regulatory authority's commitment to maintaining industry order and social stability.
Use of Funds and Enhancement of Enforcement Capabilities
NBI Director Santiago stated that the funds would significantly enhance the bureau's enforcement capabilities and operational efficiency. The special funds will provide the NBI with greater deterrence and execution power in combating illegal POGO and other gambling-related crimes.
Santiago emphasized that this allocation not only provides financial support but also represents significant recognition and endorsement of the NBI's law enforcement mission. This will help strengthen coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies in combating illegal gambling activities.
Background of Cooperation and Industry Status
This cooperation occurs against the backdrop of the increasingly prominent issue of illegal POGO in the Philippines. In recent years, illegal offshore gaming operators have often been involved in other criminal activities, including human trafficking, fraud, and public security issues, attracting widespread attention from all sectors of society.
The government's move to strengthen law enforcement cooperation reflects its determination to comprehensively regulate and govern the gaming industry. Through close collaboration between regulatory agencies and law enforcement departments, the aim is to establish more effective industry regulatory mechanisms.
Expected Impact and Future Outlook
Observers believe that the cooperation between PAGCOR and the NBI marks a more proactive stance by the Philippine government in gaming governance. This 50 million pesos in funding support could be the beginning of a series of actions to combat illegal gambling.
Analysts point out that this model of cooperation between regulatory agencies and law enforcement departments may lay the foundation for the future standardized development of the Philippine gaming industry. The government is expected to continue taking measures to ensure that the gaming industry operates within a legal and regulated framework.
