TLDR PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco expects the government to approve separating the agency’s regulatory role from its casino operations. Casino Filipino has lost ₱6 billion ($95 million) so far in 2026, and losses are expected to reach ₱7 billion ($111 million) by year end. Some integrated resort companies want to buy selected Casino Filipino branches if the separation is approved. The Philippine gaming industry is now expected to earn about ₱350 billion in 2026, below its ₱400 billion target. A Supreme Court ruling requires PAGCOR to pay 5% of its gross revenue to the Philippine Sports Commission, backdated to 1993.
The head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) says he is confident the government will approve a plan to split the agency in two. The plan would separate PAGCOR’s job as a gaming regulator from its role as a casino operator.
Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco spoke to local reporters this week. He was at the grand opening of the Kaban Hotel and Casino Boracay, which is currently the only casino on the island.
The push comes as losses at Casino Filipino, PAGCOR’s casino brand, are expected to reach ₱7 billion, or about $111 million, in 2026.
Tengco said the Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG) will likely recommend the proposal to the Office of the President. The plan has not yet been approved.
He first shared this position at the IAG Academy Summit in Manila in early September. At that time, he said he was confident President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would approve the plan.
Casino Filipino Losses Continue to Grow
Casino Filipino runs nearly 40 casinos across the Philippines. The brand has already posted losses of ₱6 billion, or about $95 million, so far this year.
Tengco expects that figure to rise before