Supreme Court—INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to remit some of their income to fund the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In a statement on Thursday, the High Court said its En Banc granted the petition for mandamus filed by former lawmaker and basketball commissioner Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, urging the two agencies to transfer funds to the PSC.
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Guiao argued that the remittance complies with Republic Act No. 6847, or the law creating the PSC.
“The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation is ordered to account and remit the full amount of 5% of its gross income per annum, after deduction of its 5% franchise tax, from 1993 to present in favor of the Philippine Sports Commission,” the 24-page decision promulgated in May 2028 stated, as quoted in the statement.
Moreover, the PCSO was asked to account for and remit to the PSC the 30 percent representing the charity fund of the proceeds of six sweepstakes or lottery draws per year, including its lotto draws, for the years 2006 to present.
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“The Philippine Sports Commission’s funding directly affects the advancement of the nation’s sports programs, our athletes’ ability to progress in the international forum, and the development of our youth,” the SC said.
“Given the significant role of sports in nation-building, the petitioner’s direct resort to this Court through this instant Petition for Mandamus is justified,” it added.