Senate to probe PCSO 'bribes' to bishops, congressmen

The Senate blue ribbon committee will probe into reports that Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds were used to bribe several people in exchange for supporting former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the blue ribbon committee has already invited to Wednesday's inquiry the bishops, congressman, and even private individuals who supposedly received something from the PCSO during the Arroyo administration. “Sen. Teofisto Guingona III [blue ribbon committee chairman] and I are in possession of several documents showing several anomalous transactions involving PCSO and some personalities who weren't supposed to be receiving from PCSO," Lacson said. Among the personalities they invited were four bishops who supposedly received Mitsubishi Pajeros and congressmen who allegedly received millions during the 2010 election period, he added. "One lone district for example managed to receive [P55 million] and the date of the (PCSO) board resolution covered [the] election period," he said. Lacson, however, did not name the bishops and congressmen. “We cannot reveal the names as of now because the documents that we have still need further validation by the PCSO and Commission on Audit," he said. A Philippine Daily Inquirer report had earlier quoted PCSO chair Margarita Juico as saying that Arroyo had allegedly given Pajeros to six or seven bishops before she stepped down from office. Juico likewise reportedly said it was a normal practice for Arroyo. “Nanghihinayang lang ako," Juico said in an interview on GMA News TV’s “State of the Nation" on Tuesday. “Sana naman ‘yung pondo ng PCSO na ginamit pambili ng Pajero, marami na sanang natulungan sa pondong ‘yon."
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV In the same newscast, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani urged the bishops involved to speak up on the issue. “Sabi nila, ‘Ito’y binigay sa amin para dito sa ganitong dahilan, ganitong purpose,’ para maliwanagan na hindi ito ibinigay sa kanila bilang personal favor," Bacani said. — With Paterno Esmaquel II/VS, GMA News