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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation discovered through a news article that Soleil Chartered Bank had issued a statement deniging the issuance of a certification to Global ComRCI (PAGCOR’s third party auditor for offshore gaming licensees). This statement was made on January 31, 2023.
PAGCOR reiterates that all contracts, including Global ComRCI, have been reviewed since August 2022.
The new PAGCOR management has revalidated the veracity documents submitted by Global ComRCI, its third-party auditor. If PAGCOR is able to prove the documents were fraudulent, it will immediately file legal action to cancel the contract with its third-party auditor.
PAGCOR would like Senator Sherwin Gaatchalian to be thanked for his insight on the matter during the investigation by the Senate on January 23, 2023.
The state-owned gaming company assures the public it is diligently investigating the matter and will take all necessary steps to protect the public interest. PAGCOR ensures that its licensed offshore operators and accredited service providers adhere to all applicable laws.
Offshore gaming-related crimes
The Philippine National Police (PNP), however, reported at the Senate Hearing on January 31, 2023 a rise of offshore gambling crimes in the country between 2019 and 2022.
PAGCOR condemns these crimes and will not tolerate these injustices.
PAGCOR will continue monitoring the legality of licensed licensees and service suppliers to ensure the integrity of the country’s offshore gaming industry. If they are found guilty of criminal acts, the state-run gambling agency will not hesitate in imposing sanctions and penalties as required by law.
In order to fight all criminalities linked to offshore gambling operations, PAGCOR will strengthen its cooperation with government agencies like the PNP (National Bureau of Investigation), Department of Justice, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG).
PAGCOR wants to emphasize that there have not been any reported kidnappings or criminal activity involving workers in the offshore gambling industry since September 2022, as a result the inter-agency collaboration meeting.
PAGCOR believes that gaming operations, including offshore gaming, are a significant source of government revenue. However they should not be used to perpetrate abuse or injustices. PAGCOR, the country’s gaming regulator condemns these terrible acts and will ensure that local gaming industries continue to operate in integrity.
