MANILA, Philippines – A bishop had requested for a brand new 4×4 SUV (sports utility vehicle) for his birthday from former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2009, a board member of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office told the Senate Wednesday.
In a hearing aired over 990AM by the blue ribbon committee investigating alleged anomalies in the disbursement of PCSO funds, Francisco Joaquin III read from a letter by Butuan Bishop Juan De Dios Pueblos to the former president requesting that he be given a “brand new 4×4” for his 66th birthday.
Quoting the letter, Joaquin said that Bishop Pueblos needed the vehicle for him to be able to go to the far-flung areas in his province.
Pueblos also said in his letter, which was shown before the blue ribbon committee, that he was using a seven year-old car that was no longer in good running condition.
In the same hearing, PCSO Chairperson Margarita Juico confirmed that the check issued for the purchase of the vehicle was paid to the diocese of Butuan and not to Pueblos.
For his part, PCSO General Manager Francisco Joaquin III said that the Commission on Audit was still awaiting the report for the liquidation of the check. He added that it was not specified what brand or specific model was bought with the PCSO donation.
The Senate is conducting an inquiry after the Commission on Audit disclosed allegedly several anomalous transactions by the PCSO during the term of Arroyo.
Radyo Inquirer report 1
Radyo Inquirer report 2
Radyo Inquirer report 3
First posted 10:34 am | Wednesday, July 6th, 2011