PAGCOR Initiates Legal Action Against 33 Unpaid POGOs Over Outstanding Fees

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has taken a decisive step by launching legal proceedings against 33 offshore gaming licensees for failing to pay their dues, accumulating to a staggering P2.02 billion.

Legal action against the delinquent operators

Alejandro Tengco, the Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, revealed that the licensees in question, who obtained licenses during the prior administration, have neglected their responsibility to remit license fees for over a year, a clear violation of Section 4.C of the Offshore Gaming Regulatory Manual.

Despite repeated appeals by the current management, these offshore gaming operators have not complied with their regulatory obligations, leaving PAGCOR with no choice but to resort to legal measures. Tengco emphasized that the organization is actively collecting relevant information to pursue appropriate legal action against the delinquent operators.

Action against 33 operators

Among the 33 operators, two have been billed as of May 2023, while another two have been referred to PAGCOR’s Legal Group since February 2023. While five of these operators have already ceased their operations, Tengco issued a stern warning that their evasion of Philippine laws and refusal to pay their dues will not go unpunished.

Tengco stated, “PAGCOR will continue to ensure that all our regulated gaming entities – including offshore gaming operators and service providers – will abide by our regulatory policies, including proper payment of fees and taxes.”

This move follows revelations during a recent congressional hearing that some offshore gaming operators, licensed during the previous administration, shuttered their operations amid the pandemic, leaving substantial unpaid dues in their wake.