Palace: Duterte sacked PCSO’s Balutan over alleged ‘serious corruption’
PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan. INQUIRER.net / CATHY MIRANDA
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang has confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte fired Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan and said it was “due to serious allegations of corruption.”
“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) has terminated the services of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan on his present post due to serious allegations of corruption,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo said “governance and public accountability are the twin hallmarks of the Duterte administration.”
He added “these are the standards that those in the government must exercise at all times and with utmost responsibility and fidelity.”
READ: Duterte fires PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan
“Those who fail to observe the same will inexorably suffer the harsh and punitive consequences,” he also said.
“We hope that this will serve as a stern warning to all government officials and employees that there are no sacred cows in the current administration, especially when it comes to serving the Filipino people with integrity and loyalty,” he further said.
Panelo continued: “The campaign against corruption like the war on prohibited drugs will be relentless and continuing until the last day of the President’s term.”
“‘Not during my watch!’ is the searing message of PRRD to those who wish to violate the Constitution and the laws of the land,” he said. /kga
