The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the government entity overseeing both casino regulation and state-owned gaming operations, has undergone a leadership shakeup. Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for high-ranking government officials to step down, the entire PAGCOR board, including its CEO, Alejandro Tengco, has resigned.
Government Restructuring After Midterm Elections
The mass resignation stems from a broader government overhaul initiated by Marcos Jr. after disappointing midterm election results for his administration and Federal Party allies. The May 12 election, which saw a record turnout of nearly 70 million votes, was widely viewed as a referendum on the first half of Marcos’ six-year term. In response, Marcos urged cabinet-level officials and agency heads to submit resignations, emphasizing that a structural realignment was necessary to improve government operations.
“I don’t do things for show or appearance. If there is a problem, I like to fix it,” Marcos declared. “Expect us to do a rigorous review, not only at the Cabinet level but deeper.”
PAGCOR Leadership Shakeup
In the wake of the restructuring, five PAGCOR board members submitted courtesy resignations, including:
- Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR Chairman & CEO
- Wilma Eisma, President & COO
- Francis Concordia, Jose Ortega, and Gilbert Remulla, Board Directors
While their departures align with Marcos’ agenda to “realign government with the people’s expectations,” the timeline for appointing new leadership remains uncertain.
Concerns Over PAGCOR’s Future & Regulatory Role
For years, discussions have surfaced regarding PAGCOR’s dual role—serving as both a gaming regulator and an operator of nine casinos and 34 satellite gaming facilities under the Casino Filipino brand. Critics have pointed to potential conflicts of interest, but plans to privatize PAGCOR’s gaming operations have stalled due to high financial valuations. In 2023, Marcos set a $1.5 billion minimum for selling these assets, ensuring they remained under government control.
Impact of POGO Shutdowns
Another key development affecting PAGCOR is the closure of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Once a booming industry, POGOs targeted foreign players, primarily from China. Amid growing pressure from Beijing, Marcos ordered PAGCOR to revoke all POGO licenses, effective December 15, 2024, marking the end of an era for offshore gaming in the Philippines.
Looking Ahead
With PAGCOR leadership in limbo and major shifts in gaming policy, the future of Philippine gaming regulation remains uncertain. As Marcos Jr. works to stabilize his administration, the fate of PAGCOR’s operations and privatization efforts will be closely watched.
