Former PCSO director Morato ‘surprised’ about plunder charge

FORMER PCSO chair Manuel “Manoling” Morato. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board member Manuel “Manoling” Morato on Tuesday said he was surprised that he was included as respondent in the plunder charge filed against former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the alleged misuse of P365.99-million PCSO funds.

In an interview with anchors Susan K, Den Macaranas and Captain Dylan Halili of “Good Morning Inquirer” on Radio Inquirer 990AM, Morato said that the intelligence fund to which the Office of the Ombudsman alleged PCSO’s operating budget was diverted could only be accessed by the PCSO’s chairman and general manager.

Morato said he was only a board member at the time the allegations of the Ombudsman took place, which is from January 2008 to June 2010.

“Hindi ko naman alam ’yang mga pinag gagawa d’yan kasi ang mga may access lang d’yan ay ang chairman at ang general manager. Kaya nga nagtataka ako kung bakit sinama kaming mga director (I do not know what was being made with the fund since those who have access to it are the chairman and the general manager. That is why I am surprised why we directors were included among those charged),” Morato said.— Jamie Marie Elona

For the full interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.