PAGCOR clarifies view on jurisdiction over Central One Bataan

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was invited in a briefing held by the Bataan Peace and Order Council on November 13, 2024 regarding the police operations conducted in Central One Bataan.

During the said briefing, PAGCOR’s representative made a remark stating that Central One Bataan is under the jurisdiction of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), and not of PAGCOR.

PAGCOR seeks to rectify this statement.

Republic Act No. 9728 grants the AFAB the power to oversee certain tourism-related activities within the Freeport Area of Bataan including games, amusements, recreational and sports activities subject to the approval and supervision of PAGCOR.

This underscores the fact that while AFAB may regulate specific activities and exercise authority within its jurisdiction, its power to issue licenses for gaming operations remains conditional and subject to PAGCOR’s oversight and approval.

Following the letter of the law, Central One Bataan’s involvement in online gaming activities clearly subject the same to PAGCOR’s jurisdiction and regulatory authority. However, records show that Central One Bataan is not one of the companies licensed by PAGCOR to legally operate such activities.

PAGCOR shares the perspective that offshore gaming companies misrepresenting themselves as BPOs should be treated as a serious concern.

To effectively address illegal gaming operations, companies that misuse the BPO designation must also be scrutinized and held accountable.