PCSO execs probed for corruption — PACC

MANILA,Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has started its investigation of officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) allegedly involved in corruption, an official announced yesterday.

“We are conducting a probe and lifestyle check on PCSO officials -- about 15 of them with the exception of general manager Royina Garma who has just assumed her post,” PACC Commissioner Manuelito Luna said in an interview with The STAR.

Luna said members of the PCSO board led by chairman Anselmo Simeon Pinili are undergoing investigation.

“The probe is pursuant to the directive of President Duterte to run after corrupt government officials, especially in agencies such as the PCSO, which is supposed to be at the forefront of providing social services to the poor,” Luna said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to submit its report on the alleged PCSO corruption.

“I have ordered the NBI to submit the report to my office. We will release it once available,” he said in a text message.

Last July, Guevarra issued Department Order 384 directing the NBI to conduct a fact-finding investigation and case build-up on the alleged corruption in the PCSO.