Palace leaves ex-PCSO chief’s fate to ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines — It would be up to the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate resigned Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Alexander Balutan for alleged corruption, a Malacañang official said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the ombudsman should look into reports that Balutan allegedly committed corruption during his stint at the agency.

To give Balutan an opportunity to defend himself, Panelo said those who accused the former military general should be brave enough to also face any investigation.

“We are interested if there is corruption at PCSO, whoever they may be,” Panelo told reporters.

Panelo, being the chief presidential legal adviser, said he would recommend to the ombudsman to initiate the probe since PCSO officials are under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President.

Earlier, Panelo said President Duterte had sacked Balutan over alleged corruption at the PCSO.

Balutan, however, clarified that he was not fired as he had tendered his resignation out of delicadeza.

It turned out that Malacañang received Balutan’s resignation letter on Saturday after Panelo had announced that he had been fired by the President.

“Whether he was fired or he resigned, there is allegation of corruption at the PCSO,” Panelo said.

He said Malacañang is considering Balutan’s request for an impartial investigation to clear his name amid the recent finding of the Commission on Audit of supposed irregularity in the issuance of permits to operate the Small Town Lottery.

Former jueteng whistle-blower and now PCSO director Sandra Cam had spilled the beans against Balutan’s alleged corruption.

Citing a source close to the President, Panelo stood by his earlier statement that Balutan was sacked.

Panelo reiterated that Duterte would not hesitate to remove from office allies or even family members involved in corruption.