Pagcor warns licensees about unlawful payments
After reports of gambling licensees offering bribes to public officials, Pagcor has issued a warning for all operators about its “No Gift Policy”.
Philippines.- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) posted a warning yesterday on its website in which it alerts gambling licencees about its “No Gift Policy”. The message follows President Rodrigo Duterte’s suspicions upon CEO of the Clark Development Corporation about soliciting bribes and his warning to all government officials on the matter.
In the warning, Pagcor highlighted a section of the Republic Act N° 3019, which forbids public officials to take or request, whether is directly or indirectly, gifts, presents or other material benefits from anyone over which said officialholds the power to intervene in behalf.
As CalvinAyre quoted, the Philippine regulator also explained that its own “No Gift Policy” prohibits officials from soliciting or accepting “any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value” from any party looking to influence Pagcor’s decisions. Those who failed to comply with said rules face between one and ten years in prison.
The reminder is a warning to land-based casinos, eGaming venues and online gambling operators. Regarding the latter, the regulator also urged them to be sure with whom they’re dealing on a B2B basis.
