But Rep. Victor B. Hocog, the Rota legislative delegation chairman, said the commissioners’ monthly compensation will be paid retroactively when the commission accumulates sufficient funds from its operation.
Casino Commission Chairman Diego M. Songao yesterday told Variety that they are obliged to perform their fiduciary responsibility even without receiving monetary compensation.
“We cannot leave this organization without working — we want to keep the economy moving,” Songao said.
The other commissioners are Ephrem S. Taimanao, Melchor A. Mendiola, Abelina T. Mendiola and Justin S. Manglona.
Hocog said the commissioners’ “attitude is worth admiring.”
The commission started its operation on July 1 after the members were sworn in by Rota Mayor Joseph S. Inos.
Hocog said the Rota legislative delegation has appropriated $20,000 initial funding from the poker license fees for the commission’s temporary office, equipment and supplies.
Songao said they have yet to receive the money but this has not prevented the commission from performing its tasks.
Vic Torres, the acting legal counsel of the commission, is also working on a pro bono basis, Hocog said.
But the commission, Songao said, will pay Torres when it generates funds from the casino industry.
Torres has been helping the commission draft interim regulations, Songao said.
Rota municipal treasurer Francisco M. Atalig is the acting treasurer of the commission.
