Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco met with the newly elected officers of the PAGCOR Employees’ Association (PAGCEA) at the regulator’s corporate headquarters in Pasay City on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco met with the newly elected officers of the PAGCOR Employees’ Association (PAGCEA) at the regulator’s corporate headquarters in Pasay City on Monday, September 8, 2025.
During the session, Tengco formally recognized PAGCEA as the sole representative body for PAGCOR employees and expressed his commitment to working closely with the union to safeguard staff welfare. The meeting reflects a broader effort to enhance communication and foster stronger collaboration between management and employees.
Union Leadership and Renewed Dialogue
The meeting included PAGCEA’s newly elected officers, among them National President Crisanto Paris, National Vice President Ednardo Capati, and Secretary General Veronica Sy. The elections marked a new phase of leadership for the employee organization, signaling a refreshed approach to labor relations within PAGCOR.
Although past relations between PAGCOR leadership and PAGCEA have occasionally been strained, Tengco underscored his willingness to maintain open dialogue, address legitimate concerns, and build a culture of respect within the workplace.
Addressing Past Disputes and Employee Concerns
Tengco reaffirmed PAGCOR’s commitment to fairness by confirming that PHP 200 million (US$3.5m) in voided casino winnings would remain invalid. The winnings had been claimed by government officials prohibited from gambling, and voiding them reinforced PAGCOR’s strict adherence to regulatory compliance.
He also dismissed union concerns over potential mass layoffs linked to privatization plans, rejecting speculation that 10,000 jobs—nearly the entire workforce—were at risk. Tengco reassured employees that organizational changes would prioritize staff welfare and stability.
Cooperation in a Tightening Regulatory Climate
The meeting comes amid increased scrutiny of the Philippine gambling industry, particularly online operations. Recent Senate hearings have spotlighted the rise of illegal gambling platforms and their integration with digital wallets. In response, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) directed providers such as GCash to cut off access to unlicensed gambling services within 48 hours, a measure already enforced through the suspension of GCash’s “GLife” feature.
