MANILA, Philippines – NAGPAKILALA ang Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ng bagong regulatory framework para sa offshore gaming operations sa bansa.
Bahagi ito ng pinaigting na pagsisikap para tugunan ang lahat ng illegal activities na nauugnay sa sektor.
Sa isang kalatas, sinabi ng PAGCOR na sa ilalim ng bagong framework, ang lahat POGO licensees at service providers “were declared under probationary status and were directed to reapply until September 17, 2023.”
Inanunsyo ito ni PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Offshore Gaming Licensing Jessa Fernandez sa isinagawang Senate hearing, araw ng Miyerkules, Agosto 2.
“In the present framework, all service providers who are accepting bets are required to apply for a license. We will also evaluate the beneficial owners of these companies so that they will be held liable in case they are found to be involved in any illegal activity,” ayon kay Fernandez.
“Entities with findings of activities outside their granted license or accreditation will not be granted a license under the new framework. Likewise, licensees or service providers who shall not reapply or were granted license within the given period shall be endorsed for cancellation,” dagdag na wika nito.
Sinabi pa ni Fernandez na nakikipagtulungan ang PAGCOR sa iba pang government at law enforcement agencies para magtayo ng mga tanggapan sa loob ng isang accredited hub.
Sinabi naman ng PAGCOR na nagtatag at nagsagawa sila ng reporma na magpapataw ng parusa sa lahat ng mga pasaway na licensed offshore gaming operators at accredited service providers.
Tinuran pa ng ahensiya na ang iba pang reporma na kasalukuyang epektibo ay ang “intensified inspection and verification of compliance of offshore gaming licensees and service providers; submission of reports to enforcement agencies for investigation and verification of findings; enhanced coordination with relevant government agencies; and stricter implementation of regulations and imposition of heavy penalties to licensees and service providers who violated existing regulations.”
