Commission wants to split Pagcor

The GOCC commission wants to separate Pagcor into a gaming regulator and a casino operator.

Philippines.- The Governance Commission for Government-owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) said that it recommends the separation of commercial and regulatory functions of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR).

President Rodrigo Duterte received the recommendation on Wednesday, and the commission said that it was due to Pagcor’s “conflicting proprietary activities and regulatory functions in which its operation of casinos is in conflict with its function as a gaming regulator.” The commission said that there should be a level playing field between GOCCs and corporations in the private sector performing similar commercial activities.

PAGCOR chairperson Andrea Domingo told GMA News that the corporation is not aware of the commission’s recommendation, citing that if there is one with the President, they would withhold their comments.

“The Governance Commission is committed to review the mandates of all 125 GOCCs under its jurisdiction, as well as recommend and implement appropriate actions to be undertaken for those with identified competitive neutrality issues, before the end of President Duterte’s term,” added GOCCs.

It is expected that the commission will work closely with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department Trade and Industry (DTI) to review the mandates of GOCCs and recommend the privatisation or transfer of regulatory functions to a proper government agency.