Lacson pushes Pagcor privatization

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Panfilo Lacson is pushing for the privatization of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to enable it to focus on its regulatory powers over gambling operations.

Lacson sought the passage of his Senate Bill 1471, which seeks to resolve Pagcor’s conflicting roles of regulating and operating gambling casinos.

“In order to promote a level playing field in the gambling industry and avoid conflicts of interest, Pagcor should cede its role as operator of all gambling and gaming activities. Through such manner, it can focus and put premium on its regulatory authority,” Lacson said. 

Under the measure, existing Pagcor casinos are to be privatized one year after the bill is enacted into law. Proceeds from the sale of its assets should be remitted to the Bureau of Treasury for appropriation by Congress.

The bill also seeks to consolidate Pagcor’s authority to regulate gaming and gambling activities, premises and technologies, including online gaming sites, while protecting minors and problem gamblers and making sure gambling will not be used for illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing.

The bill’s provision of unequivocal regulatory authority to Pagcor seeks to revitalize the gaming operations to generate funds and implement priority programs, Lacson said. 

Pagcor’s earnings will finance socio-economic development projects, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program getting a five-percent share in the agency’s gross gaming revenues, less the franchise tax and 50-percent government share.

The bill also seeks to prevent the licenses Pagcor issues to gaming operators from being used for criminal or illegal activities. 

Updated PCSO charter

Lacson is also pushing for an update in the charter of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to make it more accountable to the public in the use of its funds.

He filed Senate Bill 1470 or the updating of the charter of the PCSO to allow the agency to adapt to the changing system and emerging variations of lotteries and similar activities.

Under the bill, the PCSO’s name will also be changed to the Philippine Charity Office (PCO).

Lacson said the proposed PCO’s primary mandate would be to raise revenue to fund health programs, medical assistance and services and related charities of government. – With Marvin Sy