Disappointed Cam hits House panel for stopping PCSO corruption ‘exposé’
PCSO board member Sandra Cam. INQUIRER file phto / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board member Sandra Cam denounced a House panel Tuesday for not allowing her to divulge and tackle her documents proving the supposed massive corruption plaguing the agency until now.
Cam shared her frustration in an interview after the 50-minute House games and amusements committee briefing, which was swiftly adjourned due to a motion by Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr.
“That’s why disheartened po kami sa Kongreso… Me, I’m sick, I came here because of that tapos ganon na lang i-adjourn,” she said. “Wala akong pakialam kung sinong ayaw dyan [na pasalitain ako].”
The controversial PCSO official said she has with her documents and pieces of evidence proving the alleged corruption in the agency, but refused to provide media a copy or even discuss its contents.
“I cannot tell you now that’s why I have some documents… to prove that the massive corruption in PCSO is lingering since the past administration until now po,” Cam said.
“I’m waiting for the time… for me to say and show it to the whole world kung ano pong nangyayari sa amin,” she added.
Pressed to name the officials involved in the alleged corruption, Cam answered: “As I have said, I will not [say]. It’s in my heart and that’s my alas [ace].”
Cam earlier said several ranking officials including retired military generals are allegedly involved in corrupt practices within the government gaming agency.
House panel chair and ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap said he was not aware of Cam’s supposed revelations as the meeting was scheduled for an organizational meeting and briefing by PCSO.
“Today’s briefing is solely intended to explore possibilities to increase medical assistance to our fellow Filipinos facing extreme financial difficulties to cover the costs of their medical treatment or hospitalization,” Yap said in a statement.
PCSO General Manager Royina Garma, meanwhile, said she would comment on Cam’s allegations once she bares these pieces of evidence.
Adjournment
The Tuesday meeting was swiftly adjourned after Barzaga pushed to suspend all questioning and inquiries related to small-town lottery (STL) operations pending the operators’ compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s requirements.
READ: STL operators disregarding Duterte’s conditions – PCSO GM
Probinsyano Ako Rep. Jose Singson Jr. objected to it at first but relented later on.
Barzaga and Singson also engaged in a heated exchange after the former raised points on the employment of STL workers affected by the suspension. Singson said the panel should adjourn since Barzaga had motioned for the deferment of any questioning. /jpv
