Solons ready to face probe over PCSO fund controversy

Lawmakers who reportedly received P92.2-million worth of “donations" from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) have expressed readiness to face investigation on the issue as they insisted that they did not personally benefit from the money. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who reportedly got P5 million, said the figures were “above board" since he was able to get only P1.5 million for two hospitals in his district. “This was requested so I can put money to three wards. Of the P5 million, only P1.5 million was released. Wala akong natanggap a single centavo, napunta sa hospital yan," he said in an interview over radio dzBB on Sunday. Rodriguez said he is “definitely" willing to face any investigation on the PCSO funds since he did not pocket any amount. In a separate dzBB interview, Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, said:“Wala akong nakikitang labag sa batas, wala akong nakikitang labag sa mandate ng PCSO sa charity work." Another supposed recipient, Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, likewise insisted that he did not benefit from the fund, saying the money went to the beneficiaries, a separate dzBB report said. Lawmakers who supposedly received the P92.2 million in endowments from the PCSO are:

• Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo (P500,000 for Naga City hospital);
• Danilo Rep. Danilo Suarez (P68 million for 16 hospitals);
• Negros Oriental Rep. George Arnaiz (P11.5 million);
• Bulacan Rep. Ma. Victoria Sy-Alvarado (P8 million);
• Nueva Ecija Rep. Antonino (P5 million);
• Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rodriguez (P5 million);
• Former Bulacan Rep. Lorna Silverio; and
• Former North Cotabato Representative Emmylou Talino Mendoza (P1.2 million)

The Senate blue ribbon committee is set to begin its investigation on alleged PCSO bribes given to congressmen and bishops on Wednesday. Stop politicizing the PCSO Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay, for her part, called for a stop to what she called the politicization of the PCSO. Magsaysay lamented that with these accusations, the PCSO may no longer be used in a constructive manner. She said she felt sorry for the patients who benefited from the funds but were used for politicking. “Ang patients naawa ako nadadamay sila rito, napupulitika sila rito," she said in a separate dzBB interview. She likewise said all issues on the PCSO funds must be brought to the courts to “insulate the PCSO from politics." “Dalhin yan lahat sa korte at korte na maghusga. Ang dami-daming lumalabas. The final arbiter is the courts," Magsaysay said. Magsaysay added that her colleagues linked to the controversy should be given the chance to air their sides. - KBK, GMA News