SOLID NORTH PL-USE PAGCOR REVENUE TO FUND SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE SECTORS

Use the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (Pagcor) revenues to fund support for vulnerable sectors amid the oil crisis.

This was the call of Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos in the wake of the declaration of a state of national emergency by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Pagcor uses part of its revenues to fund socio-civic programs for the people. As we face another crisis due to oil instability, I hope the government channels these funds towards programs that would soften the blow of the oil crisis on the most vulnerable sectors of society,” Bernos, a member of the House committee on games and amusements said.

In 2025, Pagcor remitted P66.95 billion as its contribution to nation-building.

Of this amount, about P12.77 billion was earmarked to fund socio-civic programs, including those under the Office of the President.

Bernos urged the government to use these funds for high-impact, targeted aid to vulnerable sectors such as indigenous peoples, small farmers and fisherfolk, indigent families, women, and students, among others.

“May potensyal na makatulong sa mas maraming Pilipino ang mga pondong ito kung gagamitin sa pagsiguro na may access sa pagkain, emergency income, fuel subsidy, atbp.,” the lawmaker said.

By virtue of Presidential Decree 1869, the government is entitled to at least 50 percent of Pagcor’s gross gaming revenues.