Political campaign to remove PAGCOR licensing powers

There’s a chance that Philippines gambling may be about to undergo another major disruption following the introduction of a House bill which seeks to remove the licensing powers of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, re-allocating these to Congress.

Introduced by Representatives Enrico Pineda and Michael Romero, the proposal is that Pagcor should focus on regulating the industry, distancing itself from claims that there is a conflict of interest in being licensor, regulator and operator.

The proposal suggests the regulatory consolidation of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and other special economic zones into one organisation tentatively titled the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Authority (PAGA). This organisation would have wide-ranging powers that include the resolution of disputes and complaints, monitoring the industry and overall regulation.

The bill has already encountered opposition to the concept of Congress being responsible for licensing, with accusations that such an arrangement is really motivated by a desire to protect “vested interests,” and that it represents a conflict of interest for many lawmakers with strong connections to gambling.

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