PCSO exec bares plot targeting revenue-generating agencies

A sub-plot of the opposition’s so-called "Guns of August."

That was how Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Virgilio Angelo described an alleged plot to embarrass the Arroyo administration by assailing its appointments to revenue-generating agencies.

Angelo made the revelation as Palace sources told The STAR President Arroyo had again lost her temper over a brewing controversy at the PCSO between the camps of Angelo and PCSO Chairwoman Ma. Livia Singson-De Leon.

"It has become clear that these allegations are part of an even larger scenario being used by some quarters for another purpose," Angelo said at a press conference to clarify the controversy.

The controversy stemmed from allegations that PCSO media consultant Robert Rivero received a P200,000 commission from an advertising agency in exchange for the approval of an advertising contract amounting to several million of pesos.

Denying he received any commission, Rivero told The STAR a group of Mrs. Arroyo’s disgruntled allies was responsible for the just-concluded controversy at the Social Security System (SSS) and have trained their guns on the PCSO.

He said the allegation he received a commission was fabricated and no less than Virgilio Garcia, the owner of VG Productions which was supposed to have given the commission, had already denied the allegation and said their account with the PCSO had long been settled.

"They want to take over money-generating firms of the government," Rivero said.

Aside from the SSS and the PCSO, Rivero identified other targeted revenue agencies as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Light Railway Transit Authority (LRTA) and the New Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

"I was informed that they have started agitating employees at the GSIS, Pagcor, NAIA and LRTA to remove officials they perceive to be obstacles to their interests," he said.

Rivero refused to identify the group which he claims is raising funds for the 2004 elections, but he said he will submit a report to Malacañang and expressed willingness to testify in any investigation.

For his part, Angelo denied there was an attempt to cover up the charges against Rivero and said the case had already been referred to the resident Ombudsman for investigation.

Angelo lamented that the controversy has affected the integrity of the PCSO as an institution and said the ultimate aim of the "Guns of August" sub-plot is to discredit the administration.

‘Stop bickering’

Meanwhile, the President issued an ultimatum to PCSO officials who appeared to be feuding at the expense of the administration.

Palace sources said an irate President personally called Singson, Angelo and PCSO director Resty de Quiros to warn them to settle their differences or face the ax.

Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao disclosed yesterday Mrs. Arroyo was already irritated over the reported feud among the PCSO officials which has already reached the courts.

"The President has talked to the chairman and the general manager to settle their differences among themselves fast," Tiglao said.

"She emphasized that they are both presidential appointees which means explicitly and implicitly that they should cooperate with each other," Tiglao said. — With Marichu Villanueva