Pagcor chief sued for ‘forum shopping’

A criminal complaint was filed yesterday against Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairperson Andrea Domingo for allegedly resorting to “forum shopping” to monopolize the online gaming industry.

In a nine-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, the Anti-Trapo Movement (ATM) said Domingo should be probed for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Aside from Domingo, the complaint included several PAGCOR officials, according to ATM chairman Leon Peralta.

The anti-corruption group said the PAGCOR officials conspired and violated several laws that gave exclusive authority to the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) to handle legal matters concerning government-owned and controlled corporations.

The group said that in July, PAGCOR questioned the operations outside the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport of Apeco’s online gaming licensees.

The OGCC ruled that online gaming firms with licenses issued by Apeco could operate outside the economic zone.

“With clear malice and intent to monopolize the online gaming business, Domingo and her cohorts sought another legal opinion, this time from the Office of the Solicitor General, which reversed the GOCC’s decision,” the complaint said.