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Allegations of misuse of government funds in the Philippines have taken a dramatic turn. Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed that five former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials lost more than PHP950 million (about US$16.6 million) while gambling in casinos across the country.
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In a Senate speech, Lacson explained how casino records revealed unusual turnover patterns. Cash was allegedly exchanged for chips, only minimal play occurred, and funds were then cashed out—presented later as gambling “winnings.”
“This is not mere luck. It bears the hallmarks of a money laundering scheme,” Lacson said, citing validated documents from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor).
According to reports, gross gambling losses of PHP950 million were tied to the names and aliases of DPWH officials and contractors. The senator said the data was drawn directly from Pagcor’s official files.
Lacson, recently appointed Senate president pro tempore and chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, now leads the chamber’s high-profile investigations. His office has turned over the names involved to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), calling for immediate action.
“Based on the documents we obtained from Pagcor, the casino losses of these five individuals are staggering,” he said, stressing that casinos are already under the amended Anti-Money Laundering Act.
He urged the AMLC to freeze the bank accounts of those implicated and move forward with prosecution.
The Senate has formally opened an inquiry into the alleged misuse of funds, with the casino connection adding urgency to the investigation.