LOTTO operations should resume pending investigation on alleged corruption in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) so that financial help will remain available for the poor and the marginalized ones, Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez said Monday, July 29.
He said while he supports the program of President Rodrigo Duterte to fight corruption in the government, the move to shut down the PCSO games is "drastic" and "immediate."
Rodriguez said there should have been a task force created to investigate the alleged corruption without impeding the services of PCSO.
"I'm sure that the President has with him proper information; however, the closure is drastic and immediate. I believe that there should have been a task force created and have an investigation with a timeline of two weeks and get into the bottom of who are involved in corruption in cahoots with franchisees," he said.
Rodriguez said franchisees that are found to have committed violations and are not properly remitting what is due to the government should be stopped and cases must be filed against them.
He said PCSO officials who are found to be involved in corrupt practices must also be charged in court and be dismissed from office.
Rodriguez said the immediate suspension or closure of lotto games operated by PCSO would affect the poor and marginalized who are relying on the assistance from PCSO.
"If there is no available help because of its closure then what about the poor and marginalized ones asking support from PCSO... mao na ang effect," Rodriguez said.
"I have good experience with PCSO during my previous terms. They have been able to give immediate assistance based on my recommendation. PCSO and DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) never failed me," he added.
Rodriguez said PCSO management and lotto operators can appeal to the President to restore the operation while there is pending investigation.
"Akong stand is i-resume balik, then go with the investigation then close those who are in violation and dismissed PCSO officials involved in corruption then filing of cases will follow," Rodriguez said.
"We have to make the assistance from PCSO available and we should protect also the employees of these lotto outlets," he added.