Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Facebook)



Even a member of the House majority bloc wants the circumstances behind the controversial redesign of the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation (Pagcor) logo investigated. According to Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, there is a need to "look into the issues of cost and copying. More importantly, on the need or lack of it of a new logo". As such, Rodriguez, chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, said he would file a resolution calling for an inquiry on the matter next week when Congress opens its second regular session. “I would like to know the rationale behind the unnecessary change and the expenditure “I would like to know the rationale behind the unnecessary change and the expenditure of P3 million in taxpayer’s money,” Rodriguez said, referring to the logo change that has triggered countless negative comments on social media. He said the old green-and-yellow Pagcor logo “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". The Mindanao lawmaker pointed out that P3 million would have built at least three classrooms Suffice it to say that Rodriguez couldn't his disdain for both the new logo and Pagcor itself. “If this is a public relations gimmick, it surely has failed, given the numerous criticisms against it." He said that no amount of logo design or branding can deodorize an agency’s poor performance, adding, “The best pr is good performance." “Instead of spending P3 million 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. The militant Makabayan bloc--identified with the minority bloc--earlier filed House Resolution (HR) No.1120, which seeks to probe the alleged "questionable procurement" in connection  with Pagcor's new logo. Meanwhile, 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, said the solon. 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.