Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) have entered into a memorandum of agreement to add DOJ personnel to the list of individuals barred from entering casinos. This development marks the first collaboration of its kind between a government agency and the state gaming regulatory body.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco highlighted that there are currently only 600,000 individuals on the restricted list out of approximately 4.5 million government officials and employees. The prohibition for government workers to engage in gambling activities is anchored in Presidential Decree 1869. The recent agreement aims to reinforce this regulation by expanding the list of restricted persons to include DOJ employees.

Tengco noted that PAGCOR has already nullified winnings amounting to PHP310 million after verifying the identities and eligibility of bettors who participated in regulated gaming activities, such as those at Casino Filipino. This move underscores PAGCOR's commitment to maintaining the integrity of gaming operations in the country.

The DOJ employs around 60,000 individuals across its main offices and component agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Corrections, Office of the Solicitor General, Office of the Government Counsel, Public Attorney's Office, Parole and Probation Administration, and Land Registration Authority.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida emphasized the importance of this measure for public trust and institutional credibility. He stated that the presence of government officials and employees in gaming establishments, in violation of laws, undermines ethical standards. Vida added that the data-sharing initiative with PAGCOR will enhance enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are effectively implemented, thus aiding in the regulation of gaming revenues and reinforcing discipline within the DOJ.