My Journey Through Public Service and the Philippine Gaming Industry

My name is Alejandro H. Tengco, and my professional life has been shaped by decades of leadership in business, public service, infrastructure development, and the gaming industry in the Philippines. Over the years, I have worked across multiple sectors, learning how governance, entrepreneurship, and regulation can coexist to support national progress.

Today, I serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, commonly known as PAGCOR, the state-owned gaming regulator and operator in the Philippines. My responsibilities include overseeing one of the most influential government corporations in the country while ensuring that the Philippine gaming industry develops responsibly, transparently, and competitively on the global stage.

Early Life and Education

I was born and raised in the Philippines, and my formative years were strongly influenced by discipline, education, and the belief that leadership should always be tied to service. I studied at Ateneo de Manila University, one of the country’s most respected academic institutions. My years there helped shape my understanding of management, governance, ethics, and strategic thinking.

I earned a degree in Business Management in 1982 before pursuing legal studies at the Ateneo Law School until 1984. My exposure to both business and legal education gave me a balanced perspective that later became extremely valuable in corporate leadership and government administration.

Even during my academic years, I understood that leadership was not only about profit or authority. It was about accountability, long-term vision, and creating systems that benefit people. Those principles became central to my future career.

Entering the Business World

After completing my studies, I entered the private sector and became involved in business development, infrastructure, and management operations. My career eventually expanded into construction, telecommunications, corporate administration, and public relations.

One of the most important stages of my early professional life involved my work with Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, where I served as Executive Assistant to the CEO and Head of Government Affairs. Working within one of the largest telecommunications companies in the Philippines gave me firsthand experience in corporate strategy, regulatory engagement, and national-scale operations.

The telecommunications industry taught me the importance of modernization and innovation. At the time, the Philippines was undergoing significant technological transformation, and I saw how infrastructure and connectivity could directly affect economic growth and social development.

Later, I became associated with Nationstar Development Corporation, where I served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under my leadership, the company became involved in large-scale infrastructure and restoration projects, including work connected to the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.

These experiences strengthened my understanding of construction management, government coordination, project execution, and financial oversight. More importantly, they showed me how public-private collaboration could improve national infrastructure.

Public Service and Political Experience

Aside from my business career, I also entered public service. I previously served as Vice Mayor of Malolos, Bulacan, a role that allowed me to work closely with communities and local government institutions.

Public office taught me lessons that no boardroom could fully provide. Local government work requires direct interaction with citizens, rapid decision-making, and practical solutions to everyday challenges. Whether dealing with infrastructure, local development, or public welfare, I learned that leadership must always remain connected to people.

This political experience later became useful in national-level regulatory work because it gave me insight into how government policies affect ordinary citizens, workers, and businesses.

My Appointment to PAGCOR

In August 2022, I was appointed Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, succeeding Andrea D. Domingo. My appointment marked the beginning of a major transition period for the Philippine gaming industry.

When I assumed office, the gaming industry was recovering from the economic impact of the pandemic while simultaneously facing rapid technological change. Online gaming, digital betting platforms, electronic gaming systems, and international regulatory pressure were reshaping the global gambling environment.

At PAGCOR, my objective became clear:

• strengthen industry transparency,
• modernize operations,
• improve regulatory systems,
• increase government revenue generation,
• combat illegal gaming activity,
• and position the Philippines as a trusted gaming jurisdiction.

Interactive Career Timeline

Reforming the Philippine Gaming Industry

When I became PAGCOR Chairman, one of my primary priorities was rebuilding confidence in the Philippine gaming sector. The industry had enormous potential, but it also faced criticism, operational inefficiencies, and growing concerns regarding illegal offshore gaming activities.

I initiated reforms focused on modernization, stricter compliance standards, and financial transparency. PAGCOR began implementing stronger enforcement measures against unauthorized gaming operators while also reviewing existing licensing frameworks.

The gaming industry is often misunderstood. Many people view gambling purely as entertainment or controversy, but from a regulatory perspective, the industry also represents employment, taxation, tourism, infrastructure development, and public funding for national programs.

Under my leadership, PAGCOR significantly improved its revenue performance. Reports showed that PAGCOR achieved historic revenue growth during my tenure, driven largely by modernization efforts and electronic gaming expansion.

Leadership Philosophy

Throughout my career, I have always believed that leadership requires adaptability. Industries evolve, public expectations change, and governments must respond to new technologies.

In the gaming industry specifically, regulation cannot remain static. Digital platforms, online gaming ecosystems, cryptocurrency-related risks, cross-border operations, and cybercrime have transformed the global gambling environment. Regulators must continuously evolve alongside these developments.

My leadership philosophy is based on several principles:

1. Transparency
2. Accountability
3. Responsible regulation
4. Economic sustainability
5. Public benefit
6. Strategic modernization

At PAGCOR, these principles influence operational policy, licensing, enforcement, and corporate governance.

Interactive Table — Key Leadership Areas

PAGCOR’s Role in National Development

One of the most important aspects of PAGCOR’s work is that gaming revenues contribute directly to the Philippine government and various public programs.

PAGCOR has historically been among the largest contributors to national government revenues in the Philippines. Funds generated by the organization help support healthcare, sports development, infrastructure projects, disaster response initiatives, and social welfare programs.

During my tenure, PAGCOR also continued developing evacuation centers and community-focused infrastructure projects designed to support vulnerable populations in disaster-prone areas.

This is one of the reasons why I believe gaming regulation must always remain tied to public accountability. The industry’s economic success should translate into national benefit.

International Recognition and Industry Events

As PAGCOR Chairman, I have represented the Philippines at multiple international gaming conferences and industry forums. These events are essential for strengthening international partnerships, attracting investors, and learning from global regulatory developments.

I participated in major industry conferences including SiGMA Asia and ICE Barcelona, where discussions focused on gaming regulation, compliance systems, responsible gaming practices, and digital transformation.

The Philippines has become one of Asia’s most significant gaming markets, and maintaining international credibility is essential for sustainable growth.

Interactive Workplace Overview

The Future of Philippine Gaming

Looking forward, I believe the future of the Philippine gaming industry will depend on responsible innovation. Technology will continue changing how gaming platforms operate, how consumers engage with entertainment, and how regulators monitor compliance.

Electronic gaming and digital platforms are expected to remain major drivers of industry growth. At the same time, regulators must continue addressing issues such as illegal offshore operations, cybercrime risks, financial compliance, and consumer protection.

The challenge is not simply expanding the industry — it is ensuring that growth remains sustainable, ethical, and beneficial to society.

Selected Interviews, Speeches, and Public References

Final Reflections

My career has taken me through business, politics, telecommunications, infrastructure development, and gaming regulation. Every stage of that journey has taught me something different about leadership and responsibility.

At PAGCOR, my role extends far beyond overseeing gaming operations. It involves protecting industry integrity, ensuring responsible regulation, supporting government programs, and helping position the Philippines as a globally respected gaming jurisdiction.

The gaming industry will continue evolving, but one principle remains constant: regulation must always serve the public interest. That belief continues guiding my work today.