• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance authorizing the grant of cash advance from the PAGCOR Trust Fund for specified programs, projects, and activities of the City Government of Bacolod, was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading Wednesday.
Authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, the ordinance said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) that generates revenue for Philippine government’s socio-civic and national development programs.
The disbursement of PAGCOR funds for socio-civic purposes is slowed down by the bureaucratic procedures and the funds do not reach the intended beneficiaries and for its intent and purpose, it said.
In order to fast-track disbursements to its intended beneficiaries and to maximize the benefits of the funds, this proposal aims to make available the release of funds within a reasonable time-frame, the ordinance said.
The ordinance to be known as the “Bacolod City PAGCOR Trust Fund Cash Advance Ordinance of 2025,” provides that the city mayor, together with the Sangguniang Panlungsod member chairman of the Committee on Finance, is authorized to grant cash advances from the PAGCOR Trust Fund to duly designated Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs) for specific purposes duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Cash advances from the PAGCOR Trust Fund should be utilized exclusively for social development projects and assistance to indigent constituents; health, medical, and emergency assistance programs; educational support programs and scholarships; disaster preparedness, response, and relief operations; and other projects or activities duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod consistent with PAGCOR guidelines.
Any official or employee who fails to comply with the provisions of this ordinance, including the timely liquidation of cash advances, will be subject to administrative and/or legal action in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.*
