PAGCOR Seeks Approval for Decoupling Its Commercial and Regulatory Functions

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that its regulatory and commercial functions may soon be separated, as previously planned. The organization is now expecting a decision from the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or-Controlled Corporations (GCG). PAGCOR Is Awaiting the GCG’s Response On September 15, the PAGCOR announced that the GCG is currently considering a proposal to separate the organization’s regulatory and commercial functions. This is something that has been talked about for quite some time, with many believing that the PAGCOR’s position as both a gaming authority and operator creates a conflict of interest. During his keynote address at the IAG Academy Summit 2026 at Newport World Resorts Manila, PAGCOR’s CEO & chair, Alejandro Tengco, confirmed that the GCG is reviewing the proposal to decouple the body’s commercial and regulatory functions. He added that he expects a decision to be out “very soon.” Once the review of the proposal is complete, the GCG will endorse the proposal to the Office of the President for evaluation. If the president finds merit in the proposal, he will issue an executive order to implement it, Tengco explained. “You Do Not Want a Regulator to Regulate Its Own Operations” Tengco commented on the decoupling further, describing it as a “major institutional reform with legal, financial, operational and human resource implications.” He added that these implications are exactly why it took so long and why every step of the process needs to be carefully considered and properly executed. This is not about how much we will generate. It is about strengthening PAGCOR, and with its strength, we can do our work better. Alejandro Tengco, CEO & chair, PAGCOR Tengo also noted that having the PAGCOR regulate an industry where it operates creates an inherent conflict. You do not want a regulator to regulate its own operations. Alejandro Tengco, CEO & chair, PAGCOR Back when the PAGCOR’s Casino Filipino brand was created, Philippine gaming was a very different thing. Since then, the country has opened up to commercial gaming, resulting in major changes to the gaming sector. These changes prompted the PAGCOR to accept the reality that the industry is changing and adapt accordingly. Tengco asserted that in order to remain competitive, institutions “must evolve as rapidly as the industries they regulate. Tengco concluded that he hopes that the proposal to decouple the PAGCOR’s functions will gain the necessary approvals.