Philippines: Entire PAGCOR Board Steps Down during Marcos Administration's Reforms
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Board Resigns in Wake of Government Overhaul
May 29, 2025, 02:13h. Last updated on: May 29, 2025, 02:39h.
Following a call for resignations from high-ranking government officials, the entire board of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has tendered their resignations. The move comes after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s encouragement for all secretary-level officials and heads of government agencies to step down.
PAGCOR, a government agency responsible for regulating commercial casinos and operating state-owned gaming facilities, is among those experiencing a shakeup. The resignation of the PAGCOR board has led to the departure of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Tengco, along with Wilma Eisma, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Directors Francis Concordia, Jose Ortega, and Gilbert Remulla.
The call for resignations from the government is part of an effort to restructure the administration following a disappointing midterm election earlier this month for President Marcos Jr.'s allies and his Federal Party. The President has stated that a complete overhaul is necessary to improve the government's operation and performance for the people it serves.
In his statements, President Marcos emphasized the need for addressing issues rather than engaging in political theater. "If there is a problem, I like to fix it," said Marcos. "That’s what we’re doing. Expect us to do a rigorous review, not only on the Cabinet level but deeper."
The midterm election, which produced a record turnout and almost 70 million votes cast, was considered a referendum on the first half of Marcos' six-year term. Independent opinion pollster Pulse Asia has reported that only around three in ten Filipinos approve of Marcos' performance. The president faced criticism after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte upon his return from Hong Kong in March, an event that potentially impacted the PAGCOR board's job security.
The operation of PAGCOR, which also governs casino resorts in Manila and freeport zones while operating its own gaming facilities, remains contentious due to concerns about conflicts of interest. Despite these concerns, the state's control over PAGCOR's gaming facilities has been maintained, with President Marcos stating that it would be illogical to sell the properties for less than $1.5 billion.
One significant development affecting PAGCOR and the Philippines is the country's decision to largely phase out its once-thriving offshore gaming industry, known as POGOs. At Beijing's request, PAGCOR was ordered to cancel all POGO licenses effective December 15, 2024.
It remains uncertain whether existing board members will be reappointed or new leadership will be installed. It is customary for courtesy resignations not to be accepted, allowing for a smooth transition and potential reappointment of existing members.
- The entire board of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has resigned following a call for resignations from high-ranking government officials.
- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), responsible for regulating commercial casinos and operating state-owned gaming facilities, is among those experiencing a shakeup.
- President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who encouraged all secretary-level officials and heads of government agencies to step down, is responsible for the call for resignations from the government.
- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is currently led by Chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, along with Wilma Eisma as President and Chief Operating Officer, and Directors Francis Concordia, Jose Ortega, and Gilbert Remulla.
- The midterm election, which produced a record turnout and almost 70 million votes cast, was considered a referendum on the first half of Marcos' six-year term, with only around three in ten Filipinos approving of Marcos' performance.
- The operation of PAGCOR, which also governs casino resorts in Manila and freeport zones while operating its own gaming facilities, remains contentious due to concerns about conflicts of interest.
- At Beijing's request, PAGCOR was ordered to cancel all POGO licenses effective December 15, 2024, marking the country's decision to largely phase out its once-thriving offshore gaming industry, known as POGOs.
