Philippines: PAGCOR Grants Php50 Million Aid to NBI to Combat Illegal Gaming

A new partnership between the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) aims to hit illegal gambling operations where it hurts. The agreement comes at a time when the government intensifies its fight against unlicensed gaming, particularly Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The crackdown on illegal POGOs has become a national priority amid reports linking them to crimes such as human trafficking, fraud, and cybercrime. With PAGCOR acting as both regulator and revenue contributor, the cooperation with the NBI helps close the gap between policy enforcement and ground-level operations.

Good to know

• PAGCOR pledged Php50 million in support, with Php25 million already released.
• The funds will also cover food and expenses for detainees linked to illegal POGO operations.
• Both agencies stressed their shared duty to keep gaming safe, fair, and lawful.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed at PAGCOR’s Corporate Office in Pasay City by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco alongside NBI Director Jaime Santiago. The partnership makes financial and logistical resources available to the NBI, with the goal of tightening enforcement against unlawful operators.

Tengco said the cooperation represents more than funding—it reflects a commitment to protect both the gaming sector and the Filipino people.

“This morning, we are signing a Memorandum of Agreement that underscores the shared responsibility of PAGCOR and the NBI in promoting lawful, fair, and responsible gaming in the Philippines,” he said.

Protecting Communities and Legal Gaming

During the signing, PAGCOR turned over the first Php25 million tranche. The assistance will go toward operational costs, including the management of detainees from POGO raids, and field activities to track and shut down illegal gambling outfits.

Tengco stressed the bigger picture behind the support:

“Illegal gambling operators undermine our laws, exploit our people, and put our communities at risk. By working hand in hand with the NBI, we are sending a strong message that we will not allow unlawful gaming practices to persist.”

He also emphasized that legal gaming must channel revenues into public programs and development, a mission that is compromised when unlicensed operators siphon money away from government coffers.

NBI Gains Extra Capacity

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the funding will sharpen the Bureau’s tools against illegal operations:

“The NBI welcomes PAGCOR’s assistance as it will enable us to step up our operations against illegal POGOs and other unlawful gaming activities. This partnership affirms our shared duty to uphold the law and protect the Filipino people.” 

The partnership is expected to enhance intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, and the prosecution of cases tied to unlicensed online gaming.

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