PCSO general manager on P6-million party: It’s not lavish
PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan clarified that the budget for the Christmas party held in EDSA Shangri-La was only P6 million. Google Map
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Alexander Balutan on Friday denied that the agency’s controversial Christmas party was extravagant.
“I don’t think it’s grandiose, lavish,” Balutan said in an interview on ANC’s Market Edge.
This was in response to PCSO board member and former jueteng whistleblower Sandra Cam’s claim that the agency, which provides assistance to the poor, approved P9.8 million budget for the party.
Balutan clarified that the budget for the event was only P6 million.
When asked why the party was held in EDSA Shangri-La—a five-star hotel—instead of PCSO’s office in Mandaluyong, Balutan answered that the agency’s employees stage annual theatrical presentations.
“It’s a tradition of PCSO ever since… Compared to other Christmas parties in previous years, this is way below,” he said.
Balutan noted that PCSO only rents its office in Mandaluyong and that EDSA Shangri-La is the “cheapest.”
Cam, a newly-appointed board member, said that PCSO spent P3.2 million for the cost of the venue and food and P3.7 million for the raffle.
“I found out it’s a lavish, grandiose celebration that PCSO had… It’s Isla Ballroom. It’s very expensive,” she said on ANC’s Headstart.
Cam added: “Maraming kalamidad ngayon. Maraming nagugutom na mga tao. ‘Yung sampung milyon na inallocate niyo, alisan mo na lang ng P1 million. ‘Yun na lang ang ating pagsaluhan. ‘Yung 9 million ibigay niyo naman sa kawanggawa.”
The jueteng whistleblower said she will file cases against the PCSO management.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte will look into the controversial allegation.
“I think you know that the president does not tolerate extravagance. So we do not know yet. I’m sure the president will look into the matter,” Roque said.
But Balutan remains unfazed, saying they are ready for any investigation.
“This is covered by receipts,” he said.
In recent months, Duterte fired several government officials such as those from Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor and Development Academy of the Philippines for alleged questionable acts.
READ: Palace to verify allegations PCSO spent P10M for Christmas party
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