ANOTHER member of the House of Representatives is calling for a congressional inquiry into the P3-million design of the new logo of the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. (Pagcor).
Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez today said he would file a resolution calling for an investigation next week when Congress opens its second regular session.
“We should look into the issues of cost and copying. More importantly, on the need or lack of it of a new logo,” he said.
He said the old green-and-yellow trademark indicating Pagcor’s name “was more pleasing to the eye than the new red-and-blue one, which looks like a rooster or an emblem of an energy company.”
“I would like to know the rationale behind the unnecessary change and the expenditure of P3 million in taxpayer’s money,” he added.
The Mindanao lawmaker pointed out that P3 million would have built at least three classrooms.
“If this is a public relations gimmick, it surely has failed, given the numerous criticisms against it,” he stressed.
He said no amount of logo design or branding can deodorize an agency’s poor performance.
“The best pr is good performance,” he said.
“Instead of spending P3M for an unnecessary and allegedly plagiarized new logo, it should address its lack of action on and perceived complicity in the proliferation of illegal gambling and offshore gaming operators,” he said.
Rodriguez revealed that Pagcor has indiscriminately granted 56 licenses to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) as of June 9, 2019. It is estimated that at least 30 firms are operating in the Philippines illegally. The POGOs presence has been marked with killings, kidnapping, prostitution and other crimes committed in the country.
He urged Pagcor to junk its new logo and help law enforcement agencies crack down on illegal gaming activities, recall all the permits granted to POGOs and stop all POGOs operations in the country.
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