Bong Go backs sports community awaiting SC ruling on PAGCOR, PCSO funds

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, on Monday, 24 November, joined the sports community in hoping that the Supreme Court would decide with finality the remittance of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in the full amount of 5% of its income to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), while Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) must remit the 30% representing the charity fund of the proceeds of its draws.

The Supreme Court ordered PAGCOR and PCSO in 2024 to remit a portion of their income for the funding of the PSC. This after a petition was filed to compel PAGCOR, PCSO and the Office of the President to remit funds to the PSC in compliance with Republic Act No. 6847, or the law creating the PSC. A motion for reconsideration has been filed with the High Court.

“The Supreme Court ordered PAGCOR to account and remit the full amount of 5% on its gross annual income from 1993 to the present in favor of the PSC. Ibig sabihin nanalo na po sila,” Go said during the interpellation of the PSC 2026 budget.

“The court also ordered PCSO to account and remit to the PSC 30% representing the charity fund of the proceed of six sweepstakes or lottery draws per year including the lotto draws from 2006 to the present. So nanalo na po sila,” Go added.

Go lamented the present financial standing of the PSC: ‘Ngayon po ang liit ng ibinibigay ng national government sa PSC. Kumbaga sa cake, 0.001, siguro asukal lang ng icing iyon.”

Go reiterated his commitment to continuously fight for increased sports funding, noting that the PSC’s share in the national budget remains small compared to the immense value generated by athletic success.

“Kapag nananalo naman po yung ating mga atleta iyung karangalan na dala-dala nila para sa atin ay napakalaki po. Napakaliit po sa National Expenditure Program. Kaya sana magkaroon na po ng finality ito at malaking tulong ito sa kanila, itong Philippine Sports Development Funds,” Go stressed.

The senator said he will continue working with his colleagues in the Senate to ensure that sports programs receive sufficient resources to nurture more champions in the future.

“Magtulungan po tayo para sa ating mga athletes,” Go urged. “Makikita naman natin na sulit ang ating pagsuporta sa ating mga atleta.”