MILITANT lawmakers yesterday called for an investigation into what they called “questionable” procurement of the new logo of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), saying it is a waste of public funds.
In House Resolution No. 1120, the Makabayan bloc said an inquiry will shed light on alleged irregularities surrounding the procurement process of PAGCOR’s new logo, to ensure transparency and accountability in the government agency’s actions.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to possible anomalies in government procurement processes. It is our duty to ensure that public funds are used judiciously and responsibly,” said Rep. France Castro (PL, ACT).
The two other members of the Makabayan bloc are party-list Reps. Raoul Manuel of Kabataan and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela.
PACGOR has not issued a statement on the controversial logo and the call for inquiry, but earlier, agency chief Alejandro Tengco said the change of logo was meant to show the agency’s “re-energized” role as the country’s gaming regulator.
“The logo likewise reflects a beacon which symbolizes guidance, leadership, and direction.
It represents a guiding light that helps people find their way,” he said.
The Makabayan lawmakers, however, said that while “controlling inflation, increasing the pay of workers, creating more jobs and reducing poverty still remain the most urgent national concerns of the Filipino people,” PAGCOR “deemed it necessary to spend P3.036 million of taxpayer’s money to replace its logo.”
On Wednesday, Sen. Grace Poe asked if a new logo would really cost that much, and if PAGCOR’s new logo underwent the “proper bidding process.” She also said given limited resources, government could use funds for more important projects.
PAGCOR unveiled its new logo on July 11 during its 40th anniversary celebration at a hotel in Pasay City.
The controversy over the logo, which some netizens said is very similar to that of Petron Corp, comes after flak received by another government agency, the Department of Tourism, over a new slogan and video that was supposed to promote Philippine tourist spots.
Castro said the questionable procurement of PAGCOR’s new logo “raises concerns about possible corruption and misuse of public funds.”
“We must hold those responsible accountable. The country is already mired in debt worth as much as P14.1 billion and they’re wasting money,” she said. “Had the P3 million budget been spent on National Child Development Centers, many children would have benefitted.”
The resolution cited how the logo and its P3 million cost were slammed by netizens who pointed out the “incongruity between the amount of the contract and the output delivered by Printplus Graphic Services, which, per the records of the Department of Trade and Industry, appears to be a new and small entity registered on March 24, 2021, with only a barangay scope for its business name.”
“Netizens have noted the output’s similarities to the logos of a noodles brand and petroleum company and that the new P3.036-million logo looks like something done by a Grade 1 pupil or a Kindergartner,” the resolution said. “It is imperative for Congress to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively, and that government agencies are held accountable for their actions.”
The resolution said Printplus Graphic Services’ registration in the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) was approved just last June 14 and its current status is “red,” which is the default status of registration upon approval of the supplier’s registration.
PAGCOR, in a statement, said it is investigating the source of “fake news” accusing the agency of plagiarizing the logo of a website called “Tripper.”
“The allegation made against PAGCOR is entirely false and driven by malicious intent.
Throughout its operations, PAGCOR has consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. The agency remains dedicated to fostering a safe and thriving gaming industry in the country,” it said.
PAGCOR urged the public “to obtain information from credible sources to combat the spread of false narratives and protect themselves from potential scams.”
PAGCOR remains dedicated to responsible gaming, regulation of the Philippine gaming industry and nation building, it said.
