Palace shifts focus on ‘misuse’ of PCSO intelligence funds

MANILA, Philippines — The Aquino administration said on Thursday it has become more interested in the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office spending of intelligence funds during the Arroyo administration.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the remarks in reaction to the Senate panel’s perceived clearing of some Catholic bishops of any wrongdoing in connection with their receipt of motor vehicles from the PCSO.

“We will respect whatever recommendations they have,” Lacierda said in a noontime news conference in Malacañang.

“Like I’ve said in previous briefings… the more important thing to look (at) is the intelligence funds because huge amounts of money was either lost or should be accounted for. We’ve always emphasized that the greater story there are the intelligence funds,” he added.