PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, to continue efforts to combat illicit activities and ensure responsible practices in the gaming industry while maintaining significance to the society through public service.
In his speech during the 40th anniversary of Pagcor, Marcos recognized the agency’s role in nation building, particularly in the country’s tourism sector, job creation, extending social services to marginalized sectors and supporting the government’s key programs.
“In the grand tapestry that is Pagcor’s impact to our society, we see the many strong and bright threads that it has sewn into the fabric of our country and of our nation. There are the school building projects, the feeding activities, [and] various programs in the educational sector. You have significantly contributed in nurturing the minds of our young Filipinos, fostering a generation inspired by endless possibilities,” he said.
“Your benevolent reach also extends to our localities in need in the form of community wellness centers, creating sanctuaries of healing and of hope. You have also redefined the nature of public service through the establishment of socio-civic centers that serve as gateways to government services,” he added.
Marcos also called on Pagcor to set new standards and continue being a leading force in the gaming industry that not only achieves financial success, but also creates a social impact.
Over the past four decades of existence, Pagcor’s total Contributions to Nation Building (CNB) amounted to around P607 billion, while its total dividend remittances since 2011 is now at P64 billion, according to its Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
Since Marcos took office in 2022, the agency’s total CNB totaled to P45 billion and they aim to increase it to P70 billion by the end of the year.
Among the programs implemented by Pagcor are the establishment of classrooms, multi-purpose evacuation centers, and grants of assistance or subsidy to institutions, government offices and individuals.
It also supports the funding of the programs under the Universal Health Care, the Philippines Sports Commission, and the Dangerous Drugs Board.
Pagcor operates various casinos in major cities across the country. It also oversees and regulates private owned gaming centers and bingo parlors.
Among these are the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo), which is currently in bad light due to the involvement of some firms in illegal activities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) since May has arrested 12 fugitives working in Pogo firms.
Some of them were also allegedly involved in human trafficking and kidnapping cases, especially of their foreign workers.
Several lawmakers had earlier called for the termination of Pogo operations in the country, noting its reputational damage to the country. (SunStar Philippines)