PCSO chair open for probe on ‘lavish’ Christmas party

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz on Thursday said he is open to an investigation on the millions of pesos allegedly spent by the agency's for its Christmas party that was held in a five-star hotel.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Corpuz said an investigation is possible should PCSO's recently appointed director, Sandra Cam, who disclosed about the party, calls for it.

Cam, a staunch Duterte supporter and former jueteng whistle-blower, hit the PCSO for supposedly spending P10 million for its Christmas party held at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.

Corpuz refuted Cam's claim, saying the total amount shelled out for the party was P6 million. "'Yung P10 million po na figure, it's an exaggerated [figure]," he said.

He defended the party, saying it is "well-deserved" by PCSO employees.

"I think kailangan din naman ng ating mga empleyado 'yung party na ganyan. Once in a year lang 'yan," Corpuz said, adding that the PCSO was "able to achieve our revenue target" for the year.

"Lahat po nagtrabaho," he said. "We have to reward our people also and recognize the work of our workers."

The PCSO chair also defended the choice of venue for the Christmas party, saying that the ballroom of EDSA Shangri-la is the only venue that can accomModate the PCSO's 1,580 employees.

"Ganito po 'yun, it's a Christmas party for the whole employees of the PCSO that's about 1,580. Hindi lang naman sa head office 'yan. There's no any venue that can accommodate that much na malapit sa opisina namin," he said.

Corpuz also welcomed Cam's statements, saying it is an opportunity for the public to know that the agency is not hiding anything.

"This is a free country. If you want to say it, say it," Corpuz said. "Kung  meron siyang idea how to make tipid, sana sinabi niya kay General Manager [Alexander] Balutan then we can easily adjust kung ano 'yung gusto niya." —Ted Cordero/KBK, GMA News