Ex-PCSO chief Morato invokes right to remain silent

MANILA, Philippines—For the first time since he appeared in the Senate investigation into alleged anomalies involving funds of the Philppine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Manuel Morato invoked his right to remain silent after Senator Franklin Drilon played a video of his defunct television show “Dial M,” where the former PCSO chair was heard maligning then LP senatorial candidate Teofisto Guingoa III and then opposition senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

“Sino ba yan, TG something Guingona? Hindi ko iboboto yan [Who’s this TG Guingona? I won’t vote for him],” Morato was heard saying of the now Senate blue ribbon chairman and head of the Senate probe on corruption in the PCSO.

Morato was also telling the TV audience not to forget that Escudero is the son of a “Marcos crony” and advised the senator to “be yourself, be humble.”

Morato also charged that Guingona and Escudero “have no breeding, unlike Gibo (Gilbert Teodoro) and Edu (Manzano),” referring to the the 2010 Lakas-Kampi standard bearer and his running mate.

“Would you like to invoke your right to remain silent, Mr. Morato?” Senate President Enrile asked in a mocking tone.

After Morato said yes, Drilon commented: “It must be the most difficult thing to remain silent for Mr. Morato.”