Ombudsman creates panel to investigate PCSO fund mess

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the creation of a panel that will look into the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) fund mess. In a statement issued Friday, Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro said the fact-finding team will investigate how the PCSO allegedly misused its intelligence funds. The Ombudsman said it will also look deeper into the complaint filed by two advertising agencies against former PCSO advertising and promotions manager Manuel Garcia. Casimiro said Garcia was accused of demanding a total of nearly P29 million in exchange for the payment of advertising placements and commercial spots of the agency. PCSO’s new management has been exposing alleged irregularities in the agency during the Arroyo administration. The Senate had conducted its own public inquiries, where a former PCSO executive divulged that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the allocation of at least P325 million for intelligence operations of the agency. PCSO funds were also used to acquire vehicles for Catholic bishops. — JE, GMA News