The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has officially nullified casino winnings totaling roughly P310 million from the year 2025, all involving government officials, as disclosed by its chairperson Alejandro Tengco on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Widespread Violations Across Agencies
In a detailed interview, Tengco revealed that the individuals implicated in these invalidated winnings hail from a diverse array of national agencies as well as local government units. This broad scope underscores the pervasive nature of the issue, affecting multiple levels of public service.
Legal Grounds for Invalidation
Tengco emphasized that several of the affected officials have contested Pagcor's decision, arguing that they are entitled to their winnings. However, he firmly stated that such claims lack any legal foundation. He cited Presidential Decree 1869, commonly known as the Pagcor Charter, and Memorandum Circular 6 from 2016, which explicitly prohibit government employees from participating in casino gambling.
"As I mentioned earlier in what I was saying, many are complaining, and many are claiming that it was their right since they won," Tengco said in Filipino. "But our usual response to them is: first of all, you should not have been able to play, because the law is clear—any government employee is prohibited from gambling."
Administrative Actions and Data Sharing
Beyond voiding the winnings, Tengco noted that Pagcor has been actively notifying the relevant agencies about the violations committed by their personnel. This step is crucial to ensure that proper administrative actions are implemented, reinforcing accountability within government ranks.
The Pagcor chief's remarks followed the signing of a significant agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the sharing of employee data. This collaboration aims to enhance efforts to prevent government workers from accessing gaming venues, thereby tightening enforcement of existing regulations.
Context of Corruption Allegations
This crackdown occurs against a backdrop of persistent allegations that some corrupt officials have been exploiting casinos to launder illicit funds. These funds are often linked to bribes and kickbacks associated with government transactions, raising serious concerns about integrity in public office.
Amid ongoing government investigations into anomalous flood control projects, Senator Panfilo Lacson has highlighted alleged gambling activities involving Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Bulacan. These activities are suspected to involve the misuse of taxpayers' money, further intensifying scrutiny on the intersection of gambling and public service.
