Council monitors Pagcor funded projects

The Cebu City Council formed an ad hoc committee to review projects and programs charged to Cebu City’s Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) funds to ensure its implementation.

The committee will be headed by Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. who authored the resolution creating the committee.

“The Pagcor fund is the most abused fund of the city,” Gabuya said.

Other committee members are Councilors Margot Osmeña, Mary Ann Delos Santos, Noel Wenceslao, James Anthony Cuenco and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

It was approved during the council’s regular session last Wednesday.

Delivery

The city receives P4 million per month from Pagcor as share for its operation of gaming centers and casinos in the city.

Based on Pagcor guidelines, the Pagcor funds can be used for self-sustainable livelihood projects, scholarships, infrastructure projects that are essential to the community and projects connected with the delivery of basic health services.

The funds may also be used for projects to prevent widespread diseases or epidemics, de-clogging of and collection of garbage in sewers and canals and construction of sanitation facilities in depressed areas.

It can also be used for projects that will improve peace and order in the city, extend emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters and calamities and terrorism and other projects that will help alleviate poverty.

The newly formed committee will be coordinating with the executive department that implements the projects and programs charged to the Pagcor funds.

“The council needs to ensure that all approved projects, programs and activities chargeable to Pagcor funds are promptly implemented,” read Gabuya’s resolution.

Gabuya said there are several projects charged to Pagcor and approved by the City Council but they have yet to be implemented by the executive department.