Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (MANILA BULLETIN)

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda has refused to directly comment on the controversial new logo of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), of which netizens are losing their minds over.

"As with the DOT (Department of Tourism) slogan, which I refused to comment on, I cannot pretend to be an authority on creatives. If the procurement is above board and compliant, I have no issue," Salceda said in a statement Wednesday, July 12 after he was asked for a reaction on the logo.

The House Committee on Ways and Means chairman was referring to the DOT's newly-launched "Love the Philippines" campaign, which replaced the popular "It's more fun in the Philippines" slogan.

Pagcor, which is headed by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alejandro Tengco, had its new "fiery" logo unveiled during its 40th anniversary celebration Tuesday, July 11.

Salceda continued: "What I can comment on is Chairman Al Tengco’s performance as Pagcor head. It has been impressive."

"It’s Q1 (first quarter) 2023 income was 50.59 percent higher year on year, and I expect them to meet their 224.8-billion gross gaming 4evenue target this year," said the economist-solon from Bicol.

Salceda further said of Tengco: "He has negotiated a higher government share in revenues of slot machine terminals, and is doing his best to clean up Pagcor assets and financials in preparation for possible privatization."

"So, in judging Pagcor, I would focus on that mandate and on progress made," he added.

Some P3 million were reportedly spent on creating the new Pagcor logo.