PCSO execs grilled over P7M lotto ‘remittance’ to congressmen

MANILA, Philippines — Senators grilled Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office officials on the P7 million they had given congressmen sometime in 2007 and 2008 as the investigation into the alleged anomalies on the use of PCSO funds continued Monday.

Senator Teofisto Guingona III quizzed PCSO officials on the P7 million which had been released to members of the House of Representatives.

He also asked why the practice of having only acknowledgement receipts was allowed by the PCSO.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson questioned the 2.25 percent directly remitted to congressmen for their provinces’ small time lottery revenues.

Lacson said the funds received by police and the local government units were understandable as they operated against the illegal numbers game “jueteng”.

The money given to the congressmen were meant for their constituents’ health and medical needs, PCSO Director Ma. Aleta Tolentino said in response to Lacson’s query.

The PCSO however admitted that they had no documents which would show if the funds were used for such purposes.