Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR says it is taking legal action against 33 offshore gaming licensees over Php2.02 billion (US$35.6 million) in unpaid fees.
According to the agency, its records show that the operators in question, some of which have since left the country, have not paid their license fees for over a year in violation of Section 4.C of the Offshore Gaming Regulatory Manual.
All, PAGCOR added, were given licenses during the previous administration.
“Because of this situation, we are duty-bound to take a legal course of action,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco.
“We are now in the process of gathering pertinent information to file appropriate cases against them.”
Tengo added that the government would continue to pursue five operators who have closed down for their failure to abide by Philippine laws.
“PAGCOR will continue to ensure that all our regulated gaming entities – including offshore gaming operators and service providers – will abide by our regulatory policies, including proper payment of fees and taxes,” he said.
PAGCOR revealed earlier this week that it is also chasing the company previously employed as a third part auditor of the (POGO) industry, Global ComRCI, for the return of Php1 billion (US$17.6 million) it was paid before having its contract terminated earlier this year.