The House Committee on Appropriations on Friday subjected the proposed 2026 budgets of the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to thorough scrutiny, with Bataan’s representatives taking an active role in the deliberations.

Committee Chairperson Mikaela Angela Suansing presided over the hearing, while Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia, the Committee’s senior vice chairperson, led the interpellation of PCSO officials. Bataan 1st District Representative Antonino “Tony” Roman III also participated actively in the budget discussions, further strengthening the province’s representation in one of the most crucial phases of the budget process.

Lawmakers took turns questioning PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco and PCSO Chairperson Felix Reyes on how their agencies intend to allocate resources for 2026. The session was conducted under the directive of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who has tasked the House to ensure that the budget process remains transparent, accountable, and anchored on reforms in budget enactment and execution.

PAGCOR, established in 1977, serves as both regulator and operator of the country’s gaming industry. It is one of the largest contributors of revenue to the national government, channeling funds to social programs, infrastructure projects, and various nation-building initiatives. The agency is often relied upon to boost government coffers, especially in times of fiscal challenges.

PCSO, on the other hand, is the government’s principal charity arm, generating revenues through its lottery, sweepstakes, and other gaming activities. Funds from PCSO are used primarily for health services, medical assistance, and charitable programs for indigent Filipinos. The agency plays a crucial role in extending financial support to patients needing hospitalization, medicines, and specialized medical procedures across the country.

In the hearing, Garcia, Roman, and their fellow lawmakers underscored the importance of ensuring that PAGCOR and PCSO budgets are aligned with the needs of ordinary Filipinos. They emphasized that every peso should directly benefit the public, particularly in critical areas such as health, education, and social welfare, in line with the House’s goal of pursuing a budget that is both people-centered and transparent.

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