PAGCOR resumes applications for medical aid

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) will again accept applications for financial medical assistance starting today.

Last week, the state-run gaming regulator halted the provision of financial aid following the arrest of a couple who attempted to defraud PAGCOR by submitting fake documents for fictitious medical cases.

The suspects were nabbed by Manila policemen during an entrapment operation. They are facing charges of falsification of public documents.

The PAGCOR said it would strengthen its cooperation with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), where walk-in requests should be submitted for endorsement to prevent fraudulent claims.

All applications for medical assistance will be endorsed first to the PCSO to verify if the applicant has been issued a “Guarantee Letter” by the charity agency, according to PAGCOR.

“The primary objective of the enhanced coordination between the PAGCOR and PCSO is to maximize the assistance given to patients, and to harmonize the systems of both agencies,” the regulator said.

The PAGCOR said it would tap the cooperation of the PCSO, which has more human resources and organizational experience in processing requests for medical assistance.

The gaming regulator said the measure is also in preparation for responsible data-sharing and long-term solutions that the two agencies have been exploring in line with the Universal Health Care Law.

The PAGCOR warned individuals or groups using bogus documents for cash scams that they would be strictly dealt with in accordance with the law.

The agency is mandated to remit part of its earnings to the national government through dividends to the National Treasury, as well as contributions to other beneficiaries such as the Philippine Sports Commission and the President’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund.

As part of its mandate, the PAGCOR also provides direct financial medical assistance to indigent patients.