DOJ to decide what to make of former PCSO exec’s testimony

MANILA, Philippines—A Malacañang Palace aide said Saturday it was too early to consider former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office vice chairperson and general manager Rosario Uriarte as a possible state witness in the alleged misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos in PCSO funds under the Arroyo administration.

“We can’t make that determination because the Senate investigation is still just beginning,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on the state-run radio station dzRB radio.

Valte said certain requirements had to be met before one who is involved in a crime could be considered as a state witness to testify against the alleged principal conspirators. These include being the least guilty and having  indispensable testimony that only he or she could provide.

She said it was up to Department of Justice to determine whether Uriarte could be one.

“We will have to defer to the Department of Justice on what will be the determination for Uriarte to become a state witness,” Valte said.

Uriarte’s testimony before the Senate on Thursday prompted some senators to say that former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now a member of the House of Representatives, could face plunder charges for the release of more than P300 million in charity funds for what could be non-existent intelligence projects.