PCSO chief charged over P2-M aid to driver

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairman Ireneo Maliksi was charged with graft before the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday for allegedly facilitating the release of P2 million in financial assistance to his personal driver last year.

In a complaint filed by the group Filipino Alliance for Transparency and Empowerment (FAPE), represented by its secretary general, Jennifer Castro, the former Cavite congressman was also accused of violating Republic Act 6713 or the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

The group alleged that Celistino Aman was given a guarantee letter by the PCSO for P2 million to pay his bills at the Philippine Heart Center following his death in August 2015.

“As it turned out, said person is the personal driver of the respondent,” the complaint read, noting that based on appointment documents, the recipient of the funds was a consultant and confidential agent of the agency.

The group said what it takes issue with is not the grant of Aman’s application for assistance, but the amount endorsed.

“Even going over the said letter, the amount recommended also covers room and board, in the amount of P404,925, which under PCSO policy is not allowed. Further research revealed that it was the respondent himself who personally pushed for the speedy release of the benefits to his driver,” the complaint added.

The group noted that the PCSO grants financial assistance based on the socio-economic evaluation of each patient using a system that would determine the maximum amount of aid that can be given.

When the hospital asked for P700,000 more – Aman’s bill reached P2,851,955.33 – Maliksi allegedly sent a letter stating that the unused pork barrel funds when he was a lawmaker be utilized despite a Supreme Court decision declaring the priority development assistance fund system as unconstitutional, the group said.