Officials from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) told a Senate panel on Tuesday that portions of their budgets can be redirected to support government programs during emergencies.
The remarks were made during a hearing on proposed amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) law before the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo.
Tulfo raised concerns over the sustainability of government aid programs amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and asked whether the agencies could provide assistance if key departments like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, or Department of Agriculture faced funding shortages.
Atty. Janiene Marian Javier of Pagcor said the agency already contributes a substantial portion of its income to government programs. “Last year, we have a total income of P106 billion. P66 billion of that, we provided as contributions to nation-building. Fifty percent of our income goes to the national government,” she said.
Javier added that while Pagcor has existing obligations, it could consider additional support if requested. “Perhaps, if the concerned agencies can suggest how we can provide assistance and perhaps this is something surely that we can take into consideration, given our funding obligations,” she noted.
PCSO official Atty. Lauro Patiag explained that the agency already allocates funds for health and welfare programs, including medical assistance and universal health care support.
Tulfo pressed whether the agency has flexible funds available for cash aid or other emergency distribution in case line agencies run out. Patiag replied that while all funds are programmed for existing programs, realignment of budgets could be possible if circumstances demand. “But it is possible that if there is a need, one program may be considered for realignment in that budgeting program,” he said.
Pagcor regulates and operates games of chance, remitting revenues to the government to fund public programs, while PCSO raises funds through lotteries and gaming to support medical, health, and charitable services.
