Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Allegations of misuse of government funds in the Philippines have taken a dramatic turn. Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed that five former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials lost more than PHP950 million (about US$16.6 million) while gambling in casinos across the country.
Good to Know
- The losses were reportedly tracked across 13 casinos in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Pampanga.
- Lacson has submitted names and aliases of those involved to the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
- Over PHP545 billion has been allocated to flood control projects since 2022, many flagged as incomplete or substandard.
Gambling Losses and Alleged Laundering
In a Senate speech, Lacson explained how casino records revealed unusual turnover patterns. Cash was allegedly exchanged for chips, only minimal play occurred, and funds were then cashed out—presented later as gambling “winnings.”
“This is not mere luck. It bears the hallmarks of a money laundering scheme,” Lacson said, citing validated documents from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor).
According to reports, gross gambling losses of PHP950 million were tied to the names and aliases of DPWH officials and contractors. The senator said the data was drawn directly from Pagcor’s official files.
Get 125% / $2,500 on 1st deposit!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of up to $2,500
Lacson, recently appointed Senate president pro tempore and chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, now leads the chamber’s high-profile investigations. His office has turned over the names involved to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), calling for immediate action.
“Based on the documents we obtained from Pagcor, the casino losses of these five individuals are staggering,” he said, stressing that casinos are already under the amended Anti-Money Laundering Act.
He urged the AMLC to freeze the bank accounts of those implicated and move forward with prosecution.
The Senate has formally opened an inquiry into the alleged misuse of funds, with the casino connection adding urgency to the investigation.
The post Philippine Senator Lacson Flags Casino Losses Tied to Flood Project Probe appeared first on iGaming.org.