Pagcor suspends giving P4-M aid to Cebu City

The Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. (Pagcor) has suspended giving its monthly assistance to Cebu City and other local government units  pending  an audit of how the funds have been used.

That’s P4 million a month for Cebu City uses the fund for various items, including the purchase of vehicles for police and barangays.

In a letter, Pagcor chairman Cristino Naguiat Jr. said they will resume  release of the funds  after treasurers of every local government unit submit documents detailing the use of their cash allocations.

He also  asked the LGUs to liquidate previously spent financial aid.

Naguiat’s letter was discussed in yesterday morning’s session.

Councilor Margot Osmeña, who heads the  budget committee, said the council should still continue to approve resolutions to charge some expenses to Cebu City’s share of Pagcor funds.

Cebu City receives P4 million monthly from Pagcor for hosting its casino operations here.

Mayor Michael Rama said he will try to seek Pagcor reconsideration on the suspension of cash aid.

“We always liquidate the cash allocations given to us,” Rama said.

Councilor Jose Daluz III said Pagcor is now being audited by the Commission on Audit (COA) following allegations of  graft and corruption in some of their operations.

Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa was worried that the fund may not be fully restored.

“If they suspend releases, will they (later) make up for the missed months?” he asked.

Osmeña said it is the mayor who decides which of the approved resolutions allocating funds from the city’s Pagcor share would be prioritized.

Asked to give a report on how Pagcor funds were used in City Hall, Osmeña said the City Treasurer’s office needs to update its  report since the last one was made five months ago. /Doris C. Bongcac, Chief of Reporters