SEN. Panfilo Lacson is set to move for resumption of the Senate inquiry into the state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), a major revenue-raising agency from multimillion betting collections, following the sudden resignation – some say firing — of PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan.
Lacson said the Palace after, announcing the PCSO chief’s departure, should also not keep the public in the dark about details on why Balutan was sacked.
“On the part of Malacanang, since they announced the sacking was caused by serious allegations of corruption, they should give details. And there should be continuity here, a follow-through by means of an investigation,” Lacson said, suggesting that an inquiry should follow. “There’s need to investigate what were described as serious allegations of corruption so that there will be a logical conclusion,” he added, in a mix of English and Filipino.
As for Balutan, the ex-general should also give his side, Lacson said. “He shold give details also. What was it he referred to that he could not stomach? Who pressured him to do something that he thinks is wrong? The problem is, he gave no details. And Malacanang gave no details.”
“GM Balutan gave no details; he just said his integrity is important to him. There was an insinuation but no details,” Lacson said, voicing hopes that “one of these days he will come up with details.”
This, Lacson said, was why he would insist that the Senate inquiry into PCSO not be terminated.”That’s why I’m insisting, since we haven’t closed yet our investigation into anomalies at STL [small town lottery]; I think we can schedule another hearing as these are related.”
Lacson asserted the earlier probe could be reopened because there is still no committee report on earlier findings. He said that while he chaired the Games Committee, they are a collegial body so he will consult his colleagues in the panel.