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Senators question giving of lottery proceeds to lawmakers


Senators on Monday questioned why part of the small town lottery (STL) proceeds were being given to certain lawmakers by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). "Ano po ba ang papel ng congressmen para lumawak ang operation ng STL (What is the role of the congressmen in STL operations)," Senator Panfilo Lacson said during Monday's Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the alleged anomalies in the PCSO. During the hearing, PCSO board member Atty. Aleta Tolentino said lawmakers in districts where there are STL operations have been receiving 2.25 percent of the game's net receipts since 2006. Tolentino said that based on a COA report, P7 million was given to lawmakers from 2007 to 2008. Under the old STL rules, STL operators give the funds directly to the district, Tolentino said. She likewise explained that the allocations were given directly to the districts so that the congressmen would not have to request for funds from the PCSO for projects in their localities. She said they have been receiving acknowledgement receipts from the lawmakers. Liquidation reports Senator Francis Escudero asked whether the funds were being liquidated and what their nature was. Tolentino explained that the lawmakers have not been submitting liquidation reports. "We're in the process of doing the audit right now," she said. "Revenue is obtained from that locality. It is just that part of the chairty fund (that) will go back to them and support the community for health and medical expenses," she said. PCSO general manager Ferdinand Rojas said they will submit a list of the congressmen who received and are still receiving STL proceeds. The Senate hearing was still going on as of posting time. - VVP, GMA News

Tags: senate, pcso, congress
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