The planned privatization of Casino Filipino could reduce annual funding for the Universal Health Care (UHC) program by approximately P1.7 billion (US$27.6 million) to P2.1 billion (US$34.1 million), according to a study by local firm Geronimo Law.
In a report dated July 22, the law firm said separating the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (PAGCOR) commercial and regulatory functions could address governance issues and lower operating costs, but would also weaken a key funding source for health programs.
“We estimate a recurring loss to universal health care of about P1.7 billion per year to P2.1 billion post-privatization, assuming 2024 and 2025 revenue figures,” the company said in its report.
Under the Universal Health Care Law, or Republic Act 11223, half of PAGCOR’s remittances to the national treasury are allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to help fund equitable healthcare access for Filipinos.
Casino Filipino contributed P3.02 billion (US$49.0 million) to the UHC program in 2024 and P2.47 billion (US$40.1 million) in 2025.
Geronimo Law said PAGCOR would operate solely as a regulator after privatization, collecting license fees instead of directly running casinos. “For UHC to be made whole through license fees alone, privatized branches would have to more than triple their GGR,” the company said.
PAGCOR currently operates Casino Filipino under a legislative franchise that runs until July 2033. The sale of approximately 40 Casino Filipino branches is scheduled between late 2026 and 2027, with full separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and operating functions targeted by 2028.
Although PAGCOR has projected privatization proceeds of P30 billion (US$487.1 million) to P50 billion (US$811.8 million), Geronimo Law said none of the purchase price would be allocated to the UHC program because the earmark applies only to gaming income.