MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) on Tuesday said its previous P842.5 million donation to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was intended to refurbish various sports structures in the country for the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
Pagcor said that the donation was turned over in June 2019 and was intended for the facelift of the Philsports Complex Multipurpose Arena, Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Photos of unfinished facilities, such as the press center at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, circulated on social media which drew the ire of netizens and several government officials.
Other remittances to PSC
The state-gaming agency added that aside from the P842.5 million donation, they are also remitting P124.27 million, on average, per month.
Pagcor said they have remitted P5.71 billion to the PSC since 2016.
“By virtue of Republic Act no. 6847, PAGCOR, without fail, remits five percent of its revenues to the PSC to finance the country’s sports development programs,” Pagcor said in a statement.
Moreover, Pagcor said they are also funding the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act which provides monetary rewards to athletes and coaches who win in prestigious international sports competitions.
“It is our hope that with these mandated remittances and additional financial grants, PAGCOR will not only continue to be instrumental in upholding sports development in the country but also help in the successful staging of the 30th SEA games in the Philippines,” Pagcor said.