The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) found itself in a hot seat as public outcry grew over the unveiling of its new logo on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
The logo, carrying an expensive price tag of P3,035,714.28, as confirmed by government sources, drew sharp criticism from all corners.
The public reveal took place on Tuesday at the prestigious Marriott Hotel Manila, with the presence of high-profile personalities, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco stepped forward to shed light on the design concept, stating that the new logo aimed to embody energy, inspiration, passion, and transformation through the inclusion of fiery elements.
Resemblance
However, the logo's release sparked comparisons with other company logos, leaving many scratching their heads in disbelief.
The resemblance between the PAGCOR logo and that of Lucky Me, a popular food brand, and PETRON raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about potential plagiarism.
"The new PAGCOR logo incorporates the element of fire associated with energy, inspiration, passion, & transformation." - Al Tengco,PAGCOR Chair.
— Huse (@JuanCar39131909) July 11, 2023
TEKA PARANG MAY KAHAWIG😅
Kinopya?!🤭
Pero sa ganang akin, iyong bagong logo ng PAGCOR ay mukhang:
"LOBSTER NA MAY ASUL NA SIPIT" pic.twitter.com/79yEN3IhXU
They expressed frustration, citing the apparent lack of understanding of basic color theory and how the chosen colors of blue and red connect with gaming and amusement. The use of a gradient effect was also called into question.
No way PAGCOR just chose a logo that’s so similar to Lucky Me’s logo. Never tell us this costs huge sums of money. “Designer” can’t even understand basic color theory and how tf blue and red connects with gaming and amusement in such that they used gradient for what. 🤦🏻 pic.twitter.com/zpdNGX8E97
— kevinhcx (@kvnbrynmcja) July 11, 2023
PAGCOR could have opted to conduct a logo-making contest. With the creativity of Filipinos, a much better logo could have surfaced especially if the winning design would be awarded millions of pesos. pic.twitter.com/rk2wtCxEzs
— Gideon V. Peña (@attygideon) July 11, 2023
Suspicious graphic company
Attention also turned to the graphic company responsible for executing the logo design, Printplus Graphic Services.
Alarming questions arose regarding the company's eligibility to participate in the bidding process, given its limited registration covering only a specific barangay in Las Piñas.
Printplus Graphic Services also came under scrutiny for its recent registration with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), a lackluster following on its Facebook page, and allegations of having served as a giveaway platform during the Marcos campaign.
These findings indicate that the company is not well-established and was seemingly "hired" as part of a alleged corruption scheme.
A Facebook user also pointed out that the "agency" is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which are primary requirements for any company, agency, or supplier bidding for a government contract.
As the controversy continues to escalate, PAGCOR has yet to release an official statement addressing the mounting concerns and allegations.
