Filipino authorities revoke over $3.5 million in winnings from gambling games won by government officials.
In a bid to curb corruption and promote transparency, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has been enforcing strict rules against government employees entering gambling venues. This move comes in the wake of a national scandal involving government workers, with suspended Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Henry Alcantara at the centre of the controversy.
Alcantara, who has been accused of regular casino visits, admitted to using aliases and fake identification documents while gambling. He also admitted that there were projects paid for without his knowledge, while he was negligent in overseeing the documents. PAGCOR is currently investigating alleged corruption that allowed government workers to gamble large amounts and hold apparently extravagant lifestyles.
The regulation prohibiting Philippine government employees from gambling in casinos was issued by PAGCOR in 2016. The "mere entry or presence of government officials and employees in a gambling casino shall be considered as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service," unless it is related to their official duties or functions.
PAGCOR has been instructed to ensure strict observance of the rules, which has allowed them to deny employees any of their winnings. Over PHP 200m ($3.5m) in gambling winnings have been voided in the first half of this year. Secondary checks conducted by PAGCOR led to the voiding of Alcantara's winnings, as well as those of other government officials and employees.
The rules forbidding government employees from entering gambling venues, including online gambling while on-duty, also apply to police officers and other emergency workers. The memorandum calls on government employees to "observe the highest ethical standards" and to "comply with all pertinent laws, issuances, and policies prohibiting government personnel from entering, staying, or playing in gambling casinos."
Allegations have been made that Alcantara and his colleagues had gained VIP access in certain venues. The move by PAGCOR comes amid pressure over not fully enforcing the rule in the past, with a recent scandal currently under investigation. The allegations against Alcantara involve potential misuse of funds in his department.
The crackdown on gambling among public officials is part of a larger effort to promote accountability and integrity in the Philippine government. As the investigation into Alcantara's case continues, it serves as a reminder of the need for strict adherence to ethical standards and the laws governing government employees' behaviour.
