PAGCOR clarifies jurisdiction over gaming activities in Central One Bataan
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) clarified its regulatory authority over Central One Bataan following remarks made during a November 13 briefing by the Bataan Peace and Order Council. During the meeting, a PAGCOR representative had stated that Central One Bataan fell under the jurisdiction of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB). PAGCOR has since sought to correct this assertion, emphasising that while AFAB oversees certain activities within its jurisdiction, the issuance of gaming licenses remains subject to PAGCOR’s approval.
“Republic Act No. 9728 grants the AFAB the power to oversee certain tourism-related activities within the Freeport Area of Bataan including games, amusements, recreational and sports activities subject to the approval and supervision of PAGCOR,” the agency stated, underscoring that Central One Bataan has not received a PAGCOR license for online gaming.
Scrutiny of misrepresented operations
The regulatory focus comes amid allegations that some offshore gaming companies have misrepresented themselves as business process outsourcing (BPO) firms. PAGCOR has called for increased scrutiny of such practices, stressing that these misrepresentations pose significant challenges in addressing illegal gaming operations.
Central One Bataan denies allegations
Central One Bataan has been at the centre of controversy since a police raid in late October by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). The raid, prompted by suspicions of illegal online gambling and cryptocurrency scams, uncovered a facility employing 900 workers, including 300 foreign nationals.
Atty. Cherry Anne Dela Cruz, an official with the company, maintained that Central One Bataan is a legitimate BPO, operating under AFAB regulations.
Employee support and compliance
Employees of Central One Bataan have expressed their support for the company, praising its working conditions and benefits. One employee described the firm as “the best private company in Bataan” due to its competitive salaries, health coverage, and supportive work environment. He also condemned the allegations of illegal operations and human trafficking.
Source: Central One Bataan
Broader implications
The raid also revealed the presence of an Indonesian national wanted for online scams and money laundering in his home country. The individual, a team leader and operations manager at Central One, is being investigated alongside other foreign nationals found with irregular work permits and visas.
“Central One Bataan’s involvement in online gaming activities clearly subject the same to PAGCOR’s jurisdiction and regulatory authority. However, records show that Central One Bataan is not one of the companies licensed by PAGCOR to legally operate such activities,” PAGCOR said.
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