The Philippines’ gaming regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has effectively severed its ties with Global ComRCI, the third-party entity previously contracted by the agency to audit the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Auditor Committed “Unlawful Acts”
PAGCOR has confirmed that it has terminated the consultancy contract with Global ComRCI over alleged “unlawful” acts committed by the consortium. The regulator signed a 10-year contract with the third-party auditor in December 2017 when the agency was still headed by former chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo.
In January 2023, a Senate Resolution was filed urging the Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate PAGCOR’s “questionable” multi-billion contract with Global ComRCI, with the consortium described as not qualified to be a consultant of PAGCOR.
The regulator said it had been reviewing its contract with Global ComRCI since September 2022, shortly after Alejandro H. Tengco was appointed as the agency’s new chairman and CEO. The review found the third-party auditor to be “in default of its obligations” and have violated the law.
PAGCOR to Pursue Legal Action Against Global ComRCI
PAGCOR will assume auditing responsibilities for POGOs in the interim, while it is still looking for a new third-party auditor. The regulator said Global ComRCI could face administrative, civil, and criminal cases arising from its unlawful actions.
