Panelo: Duterte’s verbal ban on PCSO games ‘legal’

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte’s order stopping all Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) gaming schemes, even without a formal document, is legal, his spokesman and legal counsel Salvador Panelo said Tuesday.

“Hindi kailangan (ng written order); the directive of the President, even if verbal, is legal,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Duterte ordered on Friday night the immediate stoppage of all PCSO-operated, -licensed, and -franchised games, citing alleged “massive corruption.”

READ: Duterte stops all PCSO gaming activities including lotto, STL

Panelo argued that the order is well within Duterte’s authority as the PCSO is a government-owned and controlled corporation directly under the Office of the President, 

“Iyong PCSO ay nasa opisina ng Presidente, siya ang may control/supervision ng lahat ng ahensiya na nasa ilalim ng Office of the President,” Panelo said.

The Palace also explained that PCSO’s mandate to provide medical assistance can be redirected to other government agencies. 

He then claimed that the order will not stop PCSO’s charity programs.

“Ang tungkulin ng PCSO (ay) para nga tumulong. But it doesn’t mean that the closure of the PCSO or the outlets operating under the PCSO will end the extension of medical assistance or health, as well as providing social assistance to those in need,” he said. /je

READ: DOLE urged to help to displaced PCSO Lotto workers