PAGCOR Chairman, Board tender courtesy resignations amid Marcos' call for overhaul??
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco confirmed on Thursday that he and the entire Board of Directors of the state-run agency had tendered their courtesy resignations last week. The move comes following a formal directive from Malaca?ang ordering all officials of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to submit their resignations as part of a broader administrative shake-up under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
We serve at the pleasure of the President, Tengco said. And we will accept whatever the Chief Executives decision will be.?
Alongside Tengco, those who voluntarily submitted their resignations were PAGCOR President and COO Wilma Eisma, as well as Directors Jose Maria Ortega, Francis Democrito Concordia, and Gilbert Cesar Remulla.
Palace orders across-the-board GOCC resignations
The announcement from PAGCOR follows a sweeping directive issued by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), instructing 168 GOCC heads to submit courtesy resignations. The directive was part of the Philippine Presidents recent moves to recalibrate his administrations structure in the wake of poor results in the May 2025 midterm elections.
According to the GCGs memorandum, As conveyed through the memorandum from the executive secretary dated 21 May 2025, and in line with the Presidents announced intention to recalibrate and realign his administrations policies and priorities with the peoples expectations, the Governance Commission hereby directs all non-ex-officio chairpersons, chief executive officers (CEOs) and all appointive directors/trustees/members of GOCC governing boards to immediately submit their respective courtesy resignations to the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Resignations by appointive directors, trustees, and other board members must be submitted directly to the GCG, although all must be addressed to the President.
Work to continue until resignations are accepted
The GCG clarified that all GOCC operations will continue until resignations are either accepted, reassigned, or new appointments are made. This decision lies solely with the Office of the President. GCG Chairperson Marius Corpus and Commissioners Brian Keith Hosaka and Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez signed the .
This wave of resignations follows a Cabinet reshuffle. It is seen as part of a broader attempt by the Marcos administration to respond to what the President has described as a need to realign with public expectations.
As the administration begins to process the resignations and consider possible replacements or retentions, the future leadership of PAGCOR and other GOCCs remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the Marcos administration intends to assert its authority over the governments sprawling network of state-run corporations.
PAGCOR’s support for SiGMA Asia
SiGMA Asia 2025 is happening from 1C4 June at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City, Metro Manila, with the full endorsement and active participation of PAGCOR.?
In its letter of endorsement, PAGCOR emphasised the significance of the event for gaming innovation and collaboration and confirmed a partnership for the event’s Land-Based Retreat, a key networking and industry development highlight.
“PAGCOR recognises the vital role that SiGMA Asia plays in uniting industry leaders and key stakeholders from the gaming and technology sectors. This event not only showcases cutting-edge innovations but also underscores the Philippines’ position as a leading destination for business, collaboration, and excellence in the gaming industry,” Tengco said. “We are proud to lend our support to this initiative, which perfectly aligns with our ongoing commitment to fostering the growth and sustainable development of the regulated gaming industry in the Philippines.”
PAGCOR assured stakeholders of its continued commitment to the event’s success and its ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s stature in the global gaming industry.
“We are confident that this collaboration will result in an exceptional event, further strengthening the partnership between PAGCOR and SiGMA Group,” Tengco added. “We look forward to a mutually rewarding collaboration and the lasting impact this summit will have on both the land-based and online gaming sectors in the Philippines.”
