Fight vs. Illegal Gambling Gets Boost With ₱50-M PAGCOR Grant to NBI

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Monday committed ₱50 million in financial assistance to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to strengthen its campaign against illegal gaming, including banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco (right) turns over a mock check worth ₱25 million to NBI Director Jaime Santiago (left), representing the first tranche of PAGCOR’s ₱50 million grant. (Photo: PAGCOR)

The support was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed at PAGCOR’s corporate office in Pasay City by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

An initial ₱25 million, representing the first tranche of the grant, was immediately turned over during the signing ceremony.

In his remarks, Tengco said the partnership underscores PAGCOR’s mission not only to regulate gaming and generate revenues for nation-building but also to protect the industry’s integrity.

“This assistance will defray the cost of food and expenses for POGO detainees, as well as support the Bureau’s legitimate operations against illegal gaming activities,” he said.

“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,” Tengco added.

For his part, Santiago welcomed the aid, saying it would boost the bureau’s capacity to fulfill its mandate.

“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,” he said.