Guiao to SC: Order PAGCOR, PCSO to release sports funds

MANILA, Philippines – In a bold step that no sportsperson or government official has taken before, Pampanga 1st District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 26, against the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for their failure to honor their obligation to remit close to P4 billion from the period of 2010-2015 to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). 

Guiao pointed out that Section 26 of Republic Act 6847, or the Philippine Sports Commission Act of 1990, clearly mandates that “5% of PAGCOR’s gross income shall be automatically remitted directly to the PSC.”

The gaming agency has unilaterally brought down its contribution to 2.13% of its gross income beginning 1993.

“PCSO,” Guiao pointed out, “is also supposed to remit 30% of the proceeds of 6 sweepstakes or lottery draws per annum but so far they have refused to comply. That is clear, sweepstakes or lottery.”

Guiao’s chief-of-staff, Ramon Navarra Jr, said the rough amount including the monies not remitted dating back to 1993 during the time of former President Fidel V. Ramos could possibly total up to P10 billion.

“There are no figures available with regards to the 1990s but that is just a estimate.” 

Avlino Guzman, legal counsel for Guiao, pointed out that the law is clear. He explained: “It says ‘it shall be automatically remitted directly to the commission.’That is mandatory and leaves no interpretation or discretion. What has happened is that the 5% has been broken down where the government share, taxes, and subsidies have been deducted from the amount leading to a 2.1% share. But the law is very clear.”