In a landmark move to bolster data protection in the country’s gaming industry, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance privacy governance and regulatory compliance across gaming establishments nationwide.

The agreement, formalized at PAGCOR’s Corporate Office in Pasay City, marks a strategic collaboration between the two agencies to address data privacy challenges, promote stakeholder engagement, and foster a secure and trustworthy gaming environment.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that it reinforces the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the personal data of its employees, licensees, and gaming patrons.

“This MOU with the NPC is a vital step in aligning PAGCOR’s policies and processes with the evolving data privacy landscape,” Tengco said. “It reinforces our duty to protect personal information while ensuring that our operations remain transparent, compliant, and trustworthy.”

Tengco also revealed that the partnership will facilitate the development of a comprehensive database of government officials and employees who are prohibited from gambling in casinos and other gaming venues.

“Sa pakikipagtulungan ng NPC, umaasa ang PAGCOR na mabuo na rin sa wakas ang database ng mga kawani ng gobyerno na bawal maglaro sa mga casino. Bahagi ito ng aming pagsusulong ng responsible gaming,” he added.

NPC Privacy Commissioner and Chairman Atty. John Henry Naga commended PAGCOR’s proactive stance in embracing data privacy accountability, noting that inter-agency cooperation is essential in industries that handle large volumes of sensitive information.

“The formalization of this collaboration between NPC and PAGCOR underscores the security of our citizens’ personal data, which is not just a regulatory requirement but a hallmark of excellence in the gaming industry,” Naga said.

The idea for the partnership was first proposed during an NPC-led Data Privacy Training Workshop for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, where PAGCOR Data Privacy Officer Maria Concepcion Gloria-Rubio suggested the creation of a framework to enhance compliance mechanisms.

Under the MOU, PAGCOR and NPC will roll out joint initiatives focused on privacy awareness, capacity building, and policy development to elevate data protection standards within the gaming sector.

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