Total amount contributed rises to ?14.5bn

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced this week it would remit an additional ?6 billion ($118.6 million) to help the country’s government with its COVID-19 relief efforts. The state-run gaming agency communicated its contribution in a tweet:

PAGCOR sent the funds to the Office of the President through the Socio-Civic Funds Project on April 13. The total amount contributed by the group now sits at ?14.5 billion ($286.5 million).

Senate calls for sale of PAGCOR casinos

The announcement by PAGCOR comes just two days after the Senate of the Philippines called for the sale of PAGCOR casinos to help generate funds to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon called on economic managers to review the assets of the state in view of growing budget deficit concerns due to the pandemic. He said immediate help could come from options that are sold off quickly.

low hanging fruits” which would provide the country with essential resources

According to Drilon, the government does not have to look far to raise additional revenues. He pointed out that there are “low hanging fruits” which would provide the country with essential resources to survive the pandemic.

Supporting government efforts

PAGCOR’s recent donation is the second one made by the agency since March. VSO News reported that four of its licensed casino operators pledged to donate more than $3.9m to help in the battle against the coronavirus.

The operators provided food, personal protective equipment, and medical supplies to hospitals and government facilities in the country.