The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has committed PHP50 million (€734,200) to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to support its fight against illegal gambling, including banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and NBI Director Jaime Santiago. An initial PHP25 million (€367,100) tranche was turned over immediately to fund enforcement operations and cover costs, including detainee support.
Tengco highlighted that this collaboration underscores PAGCOR’s dual mission: regulating the industry responsibly and protecting revenues for public benefit. The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2024 announcement banning POGOs after high-profile cases exposed their risks.
With online gaming contributing over half of the country’s PHP214.75 billion GGR in H1 2025, PAGCOR is intensifying efforts to eliminate unlawful operators while strengthening responsible gambling education.
