A new Philippine Senate Bill 1471, submitted by Senator Panfilo Lacson, seeks to address Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s(PAGCOR) “conflicting” roles.
Aimed at separating PAGCOR’s regulatory and gambling operator roles, Bill 1471 would amend Presidential Decree No. 1869 which gives PAGCOR the authority to operate and regulate all games of chance.
The bill proposes that PAGCOR’s gambling operations be privatised and the entity focus its efforts solely on regulation.
“In order to promote a level playing field in the gambling industry and avoid conflict of interests, Pagcor should cede its role as operator of all gambling and gaming activities. Through such manner, it can focus and put premium to its regulatory authority, which is its governmental role,” Lacson said.