In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the dynamic nature of political influence on the casino industry in the Philippines, the entire leadership team of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has tendered their resignations. This move comes in response to a sweeping call for change from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., signaling a major overhaul within the country’s government-operated gaming sector.

PAGCOR, which holds the dual role of regulator and operator within the Philippine gaming landscape, oversees commercial casinos and also manages state-owned gaming establishments. The resignation wave includes PAGCOR’s Chair and CEO Alejandro Tengo, alongside all board members, marking an unprecedented shift at the helm of this influential entity.

This reshuffle was set into motion amidst broader political tremors following a midterm election that fell short of expectations for President Marcos Jr.’s allies. Despite achieving a record turnout, with nearly 70 million votes cast, the election results were perceived as a critical midpoint assessment of Marcos’ six-year term. In light of these developments, President Marcos Jr. has emphasized his commitment to revitalizing government operations to better align with public expectations and enhance service delivery.

“I don’t do things for show or appearance. If there is a problem, I like to fix it,” President Marcos stated, underscoring his intent to conduct a thorough review beyond just cabinet-level positions. This stance reflects a proactive approach towards addressing governance issues head-on.

The recent electoral verdict also resonates against the backdrop of controversy surrounding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest over alleged human rights violations during his drug war campaign—a matter that continues to polarize public opinion in the Philippines.

Amidst this turmoil, PAGCOR’s top executives chose to submit their “courtesy resignations,” with Chairman and CEO Tengco affirming their readiness to adhere to whatever decision comes from the presidential office. This gesture highlights the deep-seated tradition of accountability and respect for executive authority within Filipino political culture.

As stakeholders eagerly await new appointments to PAGCOR’s leadership positions, questions linger about the future direction of this key player in Asia’s gaming industry. The organization currently juggles regulatory duties with operating several casino properties under its Casino Filipino brand—a balancing act that has sparked debates over potential conflicts of interest.

For years, there have been discussions about transitioning PAGCOR towards solely regulatory functions to mitigate these concerns. However, with President Marcos hinting at valuation thresholds for divesting state-run casino assets—indicating they should not fetch less than $1.5 billion—the path forward remains unclear.

This unfolding saga at PAGCOR not only underscores governance challenges but also casts a spotlight on strategic considerations pivotal to advancing Philippines’ position in the global gaming arena while ensuring ethical oversight and sustainable growth within this lucrative sector.