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Tengco made the announcement during his keynote address at the IAG Academy Summit 2026 at Newport World Resorts Manila
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) expects a decision from the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or-Controlled Corporations (GCG) on its proposal to separate the agency’s regulatory and commercial functions very soon, Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said Tuesday, September 15.
Mr. Tengco made the announcement during his keynote address at the IAG Academy Summit 2026 at Newport World Resorts Manila, where he provided an update on the proposed decoupling of the state gaming agency’s dual functions.
“Currently, the proposal remains under review by the GCG, and we expect a decision to be out very soon,” Mr. Tengco said.
Once the GCG completes its review, it will endorse the proposal to the Office of the President for evaluation.
“Should the President find merit in the proposal, an Executive Order will be issued to implement the separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and commercial functions,” the PAGCOR chief said.
Mr. Tengco said decoupling is a major institutional reform with legal, financial, operational and human resource implications, requiring every step to be carefully considered and properly executed.
He said PAGCOR has begun preparing for the changes, including a future in which the agency can devote its resources and expertise primarily to regulation.
“This is not about how much we will generate. It is about strengthening PAGCOR, and with its strength, we can do our work better,” he said.
He also cited the inherent conflict in having PAGCOR regulate an industry where it operates.
“You do not want a regulator to regulate its own operations,” Mr. Tengco said.
He noted that the gaming landscape has changed significantly since Casino Filipino was established, with the emergence of private sector licensees transforming the gaming landscape.
The shift has prompted PAGCOR to reassess its commercial role as the gaming industry continues to evolve, particularly in electronic gaming.
“The reality is that the industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and nowhere is that transformation more visible than in Electronic Gaming,” Mr. Tengco said.
“To remain competitive, institutions must evolve as rapidly as the industries they regulate,” he added.
Mr. Tengco expressed hope that the proposal would secure the necessary approvals, describing the separation as an important step toward building a stronger and more focused gaming regulator.
