House inquiry into P3-million new PAGCOR logo eyed

A congressional inquiry into the new, P3-million logo for the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has been sought by opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro of ACT Teachers party-list, House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel made the call under House Resolution 1120, saying an inquiry would shed light on the procurement process for the new logo and ensure transparency and accountability in the government agency's actions.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to possible anomalies in government procurement processes,” Castro said in a statement.

“It is our duty to ensure that public funds are used judiciously and responsibly,” she added.

Based on the Notice of Award posted by PAGCOR, the contract price for the new logo is P3.036 million—a value-added tax–exclusive, zero-rated transaction with PrintPlus Graphic Services.

The lawmakers said that according to the Department of Trade and Industry website, PrintPlus Graphic Services is a sole proprietorship, registered March 2021 with a barangay-level business scope.

"Kung inilaan na lang sana sa pagtatayo o pagpapahusay sa mga National Child Development Centers na nasa P3 milyon lang ang budget sa ngayon ay mas maraming bata pa sana ang nakinabang," Castro said.

(If only that money had been spent on establishing or improving National Child Development Centers, which would cost around P3 million, many children would have benefited.)

"This investigation will provide the necessary oversight to prevent such irregularities from happening again in the future," Castro said.

House Resolution 1120 tasks the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to do the investigation.

Senator Grace Poe has also expressed the intention to look into the procurement process for the logo.

GMA News Online has reached out to PAGCOR for comment. — BM, GMA Integrated News