The new Pagcor logo

After seeking an inquiry on the Department of Tourism's (DOT) "Love the Philippines" campaign, Makabayan solons are also now calling for a House probe on the alleged "questionable procurement" of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's (Pagcor) new logo.

Filing House Resolution (HR) No.1120 were Act Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel.

"The questionable procurement of Pagcor's new logo raises concerns about possible corruption and misuse of public funds. We must hold those responsible accountable. Lubog na nga ang Pillpinas sa utang at umabot na ng P14.1 trilyon tapos nagsasayang ng pera sa ganito (The country is already mired in debt worth P14.1 trillion, and yet we still waste money on this)," Castro said in a statement Thursday, July 13.

Pagcor's new blue and red-hued logo was unveiled during the corporation's 40tth anniversary event last Tuesday, July 11.

"According to the notice of award for the procurement of requirements for Pagcor's 40th Anniversary - procurement of the new logo design of Pagcor, the contract price for the new logo is ₱3.036 million," the militant solons said in HR  No.1120.

They argued that "controlling inflation, increasing the pay of workers, creating more jobs  and reducing poverty still remain the most urgent national concerns of the Filipino people", and yet, Pagcor "deemed it necessary to spend ₱3.036 million of taxpayer’s money to replace its logo".

They also highlighted "the incongruity between the amount of the contract and the output delivered by PrintPlus Graphic Services".

The resolution's authors said PrintPlus, the contractor for the logo, appears to be a new and small entity as per records of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It was 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 ₱3.036-million logo looks like something done by a Grade 1 pupil or a Kindergartner," HR No.1120 further read.

Castro urged her colleagues in the House of Representatives to support the House Resolution, as she emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of good governance and integrity in public service.

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

Earlier, Makabayan sought an investigation on P49-million Love the Philippines tourism campaign, which featured a promotional video that used stock footage from tourist sites of other countries.