PCSO prepares list of poll contributions

Where has all the PCSO money gone?

The Senate has asked the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for a list of its fund donations over the fiscal year June 2000 to June 2001 to determine if any of the money was used for partisan political purposes.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, revision of codes and laws and electoral reforms, said the list would reveal if PCSO funds were diverted to the war chest of the ruling administration during the last local and national elections.

PCSO chief Ma. Livia Singson de Leon assured Angara’s panel that she would submit the list when it resumes inquiry on the so-called PCSO fund mess next month.

The investigation was triggered by allegations that First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was behind the diversion of P250 million from PCSO coffers to bankroll the campaign of four senatorial candidates of the ruling coalition.

Angara’s committee initiated the probe following the accusations of former PCSO media consultant Robert Rivero and despite objections from the majority senators who boycotted the initial hearing. Angara said the PCSO charter and the Election Law could have been violated through the use of public funds for partisan politics.

Senators Joker Arroyo, Robert Barbers and Francis Pangilinan said the probe by the Angara panel was illegal because it was not founded on an approved resolution.

Angara maintained, however, that the issue was initially referred to his committee, adding that only the motion to reconsider has yet to be resolved.

Meanwhile, Barbers announced that the joint hearing on charges that opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson was involved in the illegal drug trade would be completed today.

Barbers said Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. has asked for another hearing to receive all the testimonies and documentary evidence pertaining to the case. –Aurea Calica