The next generation of Filipino athletes stands to benefit from a landmark Supreme Court ruling ordering the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to remit funds it owes the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) dating back to 1993.
Former lawmaker and veteran coach Yeng Guiao announced this on Friday, following the Court’s final decision, which denied PAGCOR’s appeal filed in May.
“It’s the next generation of athletes who will see the blessings,” Guiao said as he turned over copies of the 10-page ruling to PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio. The turnover took place during the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, where Guiao also met with Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez.
The Supreme Court, through Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, ruled with finality on October 27 that PAGCOR must remit the full five percent of its gross income to the PSC from 1993 to the present, as mandated under Section 26 of Republic Act 6847, the law that created the PSC.
“Mabuti at buhay pa ako nung nag-decide. Kasi inabot ng 10 years ito. Baka hindi ko na makita. And we thank the Supreme Court for this,” Guiao said, noting the decade-long legal battle that began when he filed the petition in 2016 while serving as congressman for Pampanga’s first district.
PAGCOR opposed the ruling when it was first handed down on May 28, almost ten years after the petition was filed.
According to the decision, both PAGCOR and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) must now submit a detailed accounting of the amounts they owe the PSC. These will cover PAGCOR’s unremitted shares from 1993 onward and PCSO’s arrears beginning in 2006.
Guiao called the ruling a major victory for Philippine sports, saying the long-overdue remittances could significantly strengthen athlete development programs over the next decade.
“This is doing justice to Philippine sports in general—our young athletes, our grassroots program, our facilities, our coaches, our equipment, even nutrition. We have no excuses anymore,” he said.
The Court also rejected PAGCOR’s argument that applying the ruling retroactively would result in overremittance and overpayment of income tax, affirming the PSC’s rightful share under the law.
