MANILA—Senator Rodante Marcoleta questioned the capacity of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to regulate online gaming, warning that a “complete ban” may be the better option if enforcement remains inadequate.

During his interpellation of PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco, Marcoleta asked whether there were no problems with accredited and approved online gaming operators after Tengco earlier said illegal operations were more problematic.

Tengco replied that legal sites were “not perfect” and also encountered issues, but noted that there is a mechanism for customers to file complaints. He said nearly 60% of the almost 2,000 letters PAGCOR receives each month pertain to illegal websites.

Marcoleta urged PAGCOR to coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to engage global platforms such as Google, Amazon, Twitter, and Facebook in addressing the proliferation of illegal gaming sites. He also questioned PAGCOR’s lack of fully established “Know Your Customer” (KYC) measures, saying stronger safeguards could prevent minors from participating in online gaming.

“Ngayon po parang nakikita natin na there is a complete breakdown of regulatory mechanisms,” Marcoleta said, pointing out that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) had acted faster in suspending e-wallet links used by illegal operators.

Tengco maintained that PAGCOR implements KYC procedures but admitted they are “not perfect” and can be bypassed using fake IDs. He cited existing rules and regulations for licensed operators and said the agency revises them “almost every quarter” to make adjustments.

Marcoleta remained unconvinced, citing a previous commitment from Tengco dating back three years that he claimed was not fulfilled. He questioned PAGCOR’s ability to establish an effective regulatory system, saying: “Kung pwedeng palitan natin si Chairman Al, baka sakaling maniwala ako, magre-regulate muna tayo.”

Tengco apologized, explaining that delays were due to procurement issues and the need for additional clearances from other government agencies.

Marcoleta stressed the need for public trust in regulators when deciding between regulation and a total ban. “Kung hindi ako naniniwala sa kakayahan ng regulatory mechanism mo, total ban na lang,” he said.

He warned PAGCOR not to shift blame to other parties, saying: “Sometimes you are barking off the wrong tree. Pero kayo pala yung dapat mag-punder ng regulation.”