PCSO told: Return P2B spent on ‘extravagant expenses,’ ‘unauthorized benefits’ since 2013

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has asked state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to return some P2.068 billion it spent on “unauthorized benefits” as well as “unnecessary and extravagant” expenses since 2013.

In their 2018 audit report, State auditors said that P811.463 million of the total disallowance issued against PCSO was used for “unauthorized benefits, unnecessary and extravagant expenses amounting to P519.925 million, P291.482 million and P56,540, respectively.”

“The cases are under appeal with the COA Commission Proper,” COA said.

According to the report, PCSO spent P56,540 on “12 pieces of San Miguel Beer Light and 30 liters of Draft Beer” that were consumed during its Christmas party on December 19, 2017 while the P291.482 million represents the “overpriced” procurement of lotto paper supplies from TMA Pty Limited, through its subsidiary TMA Group Philippines.

The P519.925 million, on the other hand, was spent on various allowances, bonuses, and other personal benefits of the officials and employees of PCSO.

The rest of the P2 billion, COA said, was spent by PCSO in prior years for various bonuses like car loan and assistance plan, excess representation and transportation allowance and clothing allowance, staple food allowance, medicine allowance, hazard pay, and weekly draw allowance. /kga