“When an Ugly logo can also become a can of worms”
In celebration of its 40th year, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) inaugurates its new logo, which represents the agency’s re-energized role as the main gaming regulator in the Philippines.
In a statement, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alejandro Tengco justified the need for changing the logo into a dynamic one, as he said, "The new PAGCOR logo incorporates the element of fire associated with energy, inspiration, passion, and transformation. It symbolizes the flame that ignites change and drives progress. The logo likewise reflects a beacon which symbolizes guidance, leadership, and direction. It represents a guiding light that helps people find their way,”
“All these taken together, our new logo reflects PAGCOR’s long standing commitment of being a guiding force that illuminates the way forward, drives transformation and development, and brings inspiration and motivation to the lives it touches,” Chairman Tengco furthered.
The logo, which is prominently featured in the 40 anniversary celebration of the agency, was inaugurated by President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, and PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
“Ugly”, “waste of people’s money”,
and “lacking in harmony” according to Facebook users
But despite Tengco’s “optimistic” message, the new logo does not spare from popular criticism, as Facebook users have been critical of the new blue and red design, saying it’s uglier compared to the old familiar icon, if not a waste of people’s money.
According to writer Ninotchka Rosca, “What fire? Guy needs new glasses. How much did it cost?”
Others like Mark Camilon, compared the logo to that of Petron Corporation, with the choice of color and the similarity of its design, as he said,
“You cannot fool us Petron!”
Meanwhile, artist Jonathan Teodoro described the logo as lacking in harmony in his Facebook post.
“ I analyzed the 3 Million pesos PagCor logo. No ‘bes’, no harmony at all. I got a oblongs instead of circles. I tried to correct it, but I can’t, there are already curves that are off.” Teodoro said.
“Looks like it is rushed by a kid who guards at the computer shop.” Teodoro added.
It is also said that PAGCOR spent 3 Million pesos for the design of the logo. According to a document issued on June 27, 2023, the agency issued notice of award to the designer Francisco Doplon’s Printplus Graphic Services, with a total contract price of three million thirty five thousand, seven hundred fourteen pesos (PhP 3,035,74.28).
A possible case of corruption?
Such events would say that behind the ugly design and the amount given lies an uglier transaction.
According to recent information shared in Facebook, Francisco Doplon’s Printplus was just newly registered for PhilGEPS on June 14, 2023, while it’s business scope is limited to that of a barangay-level. So since it is limited for a barangay, how could a startup be able to gain national-level with a contract of three million pesos?
And in speaking of being newly registered, being marked “red” at PhilGEPS raises doubts because "red" is the standard PhilGEPS registration for its new members. Red members can only view bidding notices with small sums of money at stake, typically less than 1 million pesos, as they are unable to directly submit bids on the PhilGEPS platform. "Shopping" refers to the process of examining offers. And "Red" members must send their quotes for projects directly to the chairperson of the bids and awards committee (BAC).
So how could Printplus, a company with a “red” level status under PhilGEPS and registered since June 14, 2023 able to gain three million pesos for a logo? People may find the logo not just ugly, but also there’s something fishy behind gaining three million from a company that’s probably "hired" for another corruption scheme.
And if this were to turn out to be the case, how do these bureaucrats believe they can keep all these accusations of fraud and corruption from the public? Who could be in charge of this purportedly egregious act of corruption? Imagine a logo that people would say costs 3,000 or less and receives 3,000,000,000 without going through a bidding process. Is politics a factor in this situation? If so, then there is no doubt that something fishier than the logo's offensiveness results from these connections.
Conclusion
To cut it short, it’s true that most Filipino graphic designers are underpaid or given less value than any other professional jobs, and thus they deserve better/higher pay and recognition; however, with this serious issue looming out of what supposed to be a matter related to graphics and design, people must also recognize that PAGCOR is a “government owned and controlled corporation” and at times is funded by the people through government subsidies, so whatever spending may also comes from everyone's hard earned money. So, yes, the agency did overspend on the logo redesign, and its design isn't really 3 million worthy, and if one think covering this up with issues of underpaid or undervalued local graphic designers as a solution, then there’s something’s wrong on that person- for that person contributes to a problem.
Perhaps, PAGCOR should again remind people, especially gamers to be responsible in their gaming and themselves while transacting. That would be way better than having a logo that can also become a can of worms.