PAGCOR’s Privatisation of Casino Filipino Would Reduce Universal Health Care Funding say Experts
The sale is expected to make around P30 billion to P50 billion
The Philippine government’s plans to privatise Casino Filipino may result in a significant shortfall for the Universal Health Care fund, amid debates over funding sources and regulatory shifts.
Pagcor’s planned shift away from running Casino Filipino could leave the Philippines’ Universal Health Care fund short by as much as P2.1 billion ($34.09 million) a year, according to a commentary by Geronimo Law.
The firm said the impact would likely range from P1.7 billion to P2.1 billion annually, based on 2024 and 2025 gaming revenue.
“For UHC to be made whole through license fees alone, privatized branches would have to more than triple their gross gaming revenues (GGR),” the law firm said.
Funding Maths Behind the Split
Under the Universal Health Care Act, half of Pagcor’s income flows to PhilHealth to support healthcare coverage.
The analysis highlighted that PhilHealth accumulated approximately ₱106 billion in unremitted UHC receivables from 2019–2025.
Geronimo Law said the expected P30 billion to P50 billion from selling roughly 40 Casino Filipino branches would not count towards the UHC base.
“The P30 billion to P50 billion purchase price will not go to UHC,” it said.
Regulator First, Operator Later
PAGCOR has been moving towards a pure regulatory model, but the change remains under review by the Governance Commission for Government-owned and -controlled corporations, which is expected to send its recommendation to the Office of the President in August.
PAGCOR reported record revenue of P112 billion in 2024 and a net income of P14.32 billion in the first nine months of 2025, underlining how important its operating earnings remain to public programmes.
In the first quarter of 2026, however, gross gaming revenue fell nearly 16% to P87.6 billion, suggesting a softer backdrop even before any privatisation effects are felt.
