PCSO GM Balutan says agency’s party budget ‘not grandiose’

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Alexander Balutan on Thursday said that only P6 million was allotted for the agency's Christmas party.

This was contrary to the claim of newly appointed PCSO director Sandra Cam that the PCSO spent P10 million for the gathering.

According to a report on "24 Oras",  Balutan said the budget was approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the PCSO board.

The budget, he said, was for the attendance of 1,500 employees from across the country.

"'Yung P6 million na 'yun is not grandiose considering the number of employees nationwide not only here in Shaw Boulevard, main office," Balutan said.

"We also want to give something to the employees especially na na-cut 'yung aming bonus. Walang Christmas bonus ito," he added.

PCSO chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz has vowed that he would be open to any investigation on the controversial Christmas party held at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.

Malacañang, on the other hand, will look into the matter as presidential spokesman Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte would not allow extravagance in the government.

Meanwhile, some senators also called out PCSO regarding the issue.

"Hindi dapat gumastos ng milyon-milyon ang PCSO dahil higit na kinakailangan ng mahihirap ang pondo sa gamot o pag-oospital," Senator Francis Pangilinan said.

"PCSO should be reminded to practice austerity and prudence for they are always accountable for the budget being entrusted to them by the people," Senator Sherwin Gatchalian added. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News