Solon to file bill removing PCSO mandatory contributions

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is eyeing to file a bill that will remove the mandatory contributions of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to several government agencies and organizations.

During the deliberations of the 2020 budget of the PCSO on Friday, Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnie Teves asked the agency if it is “amenable” to remove from its obligations its mandatory contributions so that it would go to people who are in need of medical care.

PCSO Vice President and General Manager Royina Garma revealed that the agency remitted a total of P13.92 billion to various agencies and organizations from 1998 to June 30, 2019.

“Sa tingin ko dapat tanggalin na ‘yung mandatory contributions. Para ‘yung buong P13 billion na ‘yun binigay sa may sakit,” Teves said.

“Would you be amenable to amend all those para tanggalan na kayo ng mandatory contribution?,” he asked.

Garma agreed that should the mandatory contributions be removed from PCSO’s obligations, the agency will be able to “provide more for those who need medical assistance.”

“Practical side po, yes, so that we will able to provide more for those who need medical assistance,” Garma said.

“Kung matataggal po ‘yung mandatory requirements, i think we could give more to those people in need,” she added.

After hearing Garma’s answer, Teves said he will file a bill that would remove the PCSO’s mandatory contributions.

“I will file a bill,” the lawmaker said. /muf