PCSO to distribute 500 ambulances

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) will soon distribute 500 ambulances to hospitals, local government units and lawmakers.

PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II has reported to the House of Representatives appropriations committee that the charity agency was in the final stages of procuring the ambulances.

Rojas said each 4x2 van would cost P1 million, including equipment.

He said the PCSO is considering procuring some 4x4 off-road ambulances for remote villages, where roads may be in bad shape.

The agency is also planning to buy sea ambulances for island towns and communities, he said.

Rojas warned local officials, lawmakers and hospital officers against misusing PCSO-donated ambulances.

There have been complaints that some local officials and congressmen are appropriating the vehicles for their personal use and for their relatives. The vehicles are even parked in their residences.

There have also been reports that ambulances had been used in the commission of crimes. In one report, a Palawan mayor was caught transporting illegal drugs in an ambulance.

Rojas said using PCSO-donated ambulances for purposes other than transporting sick people would be a violation of the deed of donation between the agency and LGUs, hospitals or lawmakers.

He said the PCSO would not hesitate to revoke the donation if there is a violation.

He said in at least five instances, the PCSO took back donated ambulances because they were misused.

Some House members suggested that ambulances be assigned to hospitals, instead of local officials and lawmakers.