Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 1) — Government auditors have questioned the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) over the implementation of its classroom construction project.
The gaming regulatory body is supposed to build 398 classrooms through its “Matuwid na Daan sa Silid Aralan” project with an estimated cost of ₱1.005 billion.
But in its 2020 report, the Commission on Audit (COA) noted PAGCOR has yet to provide updates on whether the classrooms have been constructed or not.
“This is a reiteration with updates of the prior years’ observation as Management did not fully implement the corresponding recommendations,” COA said.
Based on the report, the funds were released to two implementing agencies, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), from 2011 to 2016.
COA also flagged fund balances amounting to over ₱1.8 billion that remained unliquidated by the implementing agencies three years after the estimated completion of the project in 2017.
Auditors noted PAGCOR’s efforts to follow up with DepEd and DPWH on the necessary liquidation.
COA recommended that PAGCOR fast track the liquidation of remaining funds and demand for the return of unused funds if any.
In a statement, PAGCOR said it has been consistently sending demand letters to DepEd and DPWH.
“There has been no reply yet from these agencies regarding the complete liquidation and construction status of the project,” PAGCOR stated.
The agency said it is now seeking the help of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission to pursue legal action regarding the matter.
