State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) on Monday committed P50 million in financial assistance to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to strengthen operations against illegal gambling, including the banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The support was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City by PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco and NBI director Jaime Santiago.
PAGCOR immediately turned over an initial P25 million, the first tranche of the total assistance, during the MOA signing.
Tengco said the partnership underscores PAGCOR’s mission to regulate gaming, generate revenue for nation-building and protect the industry’s integrity.
“This morning, we are signing a memorandum of agreement that underscores the shared responsibility of PAGCOR and the NBI in promoting lawful, fair and responsible gaming in the Philippines,” he said in his message during the ceremony.
“This assistance will defray the cost of food and expenses for POGO detainees, as well as support the bureau’s legitimate operations against illegal gaming activities,” said Tengco.
Tengco said the agreement demonstrates PAGCOR’s resolve to safeguard the gaming industry and ensure that revenues from legal gaming benefit the Filipino people.
“Illegal gambling operators undermine our laws, exploit our people, and put our communities at risk. By working hand in hand with the NBI, we are sending a strong message that we will not allow unlawful gaming practices to persist,” he said.
Santiago welcomed the assistance, saying it would boost the bureau’s capabilities to pursue its mandate.
“The NBI welcomes PAGCOR’s assistance as it will enable us to step up our operations against illegal POGOs and other unlawful gaming activities. This partnership affirms our shared duty to uphold the law and protect the Filipino people,” he said.
, strengthening industry integrity.){kind=link}