Graft complaints filed against PCSO OIC, other execs

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) officer-in-charge Simeon Pinili and other executives are facing graft complaints for allegedly recognizing a new set of officials of Speedgame Inc. (SGI), the company assigned to operate the Small-Town Lottery (STL).

According to SGI General Manager Jose Millora, who filed the complaint before the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman last May 24, the new SGI officials were elected illegally.

Based on the complaint, the new SGI officials allegedly falsified documents to make it appear that they are the new shareholders and corporate officers.

Other PCSO officials named in the complaint are Directors Marlon Balite and Ike Señeres.

Aside from graft, other complaints include grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the government.

“The respondents herein showed the gross abuse of authority by insisting on recognizing the alleged new set of officers of Speedgame Inc, despite of its illegality, irregularity, and inconsonance with the rules of STL operations,” Millora said in the 18-page complaint.

He also called for the temporary suspension of the PCSO officials.

Aside from this, Millora claimed that PCSO had been losing P2 million worth of income daily when they recognized the new officers.

“We cannot operate the STL operation because we are prevented by the PCSO, and so we cannot comply to remit the agrees daily remittance to government,” he added.

On March 14, 2019, the PCSO Board released a Board Resolution No. 0083 recognizing the new SGI officers, led by President David Diciano.

Millora said that the recognition was made after only the submission of an updated general information sheet.

PCSO board member Sandra Cam was not included in the list of respondents as she claimed that she was merely deceived by other officials into signing the resolution.

“The respondents have sided and give unwarranted benefits to the said group despite the legal opinion of the OGCC (Office of the Government Corporate Counsel) that Board Resolution No. 0083 is in line with the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the STL,” Millora said.

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)