Palace: PCSO gaming operations to stay closed until probe is over

The gaming operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) will remain suspended until the government concludes a probe into allegations of massive corruption in the agency, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the PCSO under a thorough investigation so he can identify the people involved in corruption.

Panelo earlier said 60% to 70%  of PCSO revenue is lost to corruption, citing a “grand conspiracy” of players in the multi-billion peso gaming operations.

The President will identify the people involved “in due time.”

“Until such time na hindi pa natatapos ang imbestigasyon, sarado muna lahat. Si Presidente naman mabilis. Kita mo mabilis agad ‘yung order niyang ipasarado,” Panelo said in an interview on dzMM radio.

Duterte’s order took effect on Saturday, and the Philippine National Police has since closed 30,284 PCSO gaming outlets nationwide.

Duterte met with PCSO General Manager Royina Garma before the closure order was announced on Friday.

The PCSO said it would appeal the order. Part of the proceeds from the gaming operations go to medical assistance to the poor and other health programs.

Panelo, however, said the government has other funding sources including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the President’s discretionary funds. —VDS, GMA News