Ex-PCSO chief Balutan rejects corruption allegations

Sacked PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan dismissed allegations of corruption hurled against him, conflicting with the reason of Malacañang on why he was fired.

PCSO Deputy Spokesperson Florante Solmerin posted on Facebook a statement from Balutan on Saturday.

READ: Palace: Duterte sacked PCSO’s Balutan over alleged ‘serious corruption’

“I told PCSO employees when I assumed GM in 2016 that if somebody from OP/ Congress ask/ order me to do something which I cannot stomach…I WILL RESIGN,” Balutan wrote.

The former Marine general, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, said he had availed early retirement from military service because President Rodrigo Duterte asked for his help.

He was a decorated Marine veteran and led successful campaigns against Muslim separatist rebels in Mindanao. He was also awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers by Metrobank Foundation in 2011.

“I did not ask for this position. PRRD retired me early from the Marines to help him run his administration. In silence, I did and excel. I did not ask anything from the President in return. The rest was history,” he said.

“Career for me is just temporary but character is lifetime…even beyond my grave,” he added.

Some retired and active military officers have also shared Balutan’s statement on Facebook to vouch for the integrity of the former Marine general.

Malacañang announced on Friday that Balutan was fired because of “serious allegations of corruption.”

READ: PCSO chief fired for ‘corruption’

During the time of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Balutan testified in the Senate on the alleged cheating in 2004 presidential elections claiming that she won. This was despite orders from Arroyo to officials not to participate in congressional inquiries.

At PCSO, Balutan was accused by Sandra Cam, one of PCSO’s board, of overspending on the PCSO’s Christmas party in 2017. He was also accused of favoring a company for small town lottery agent. /jpv

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