PSCO’s transfer is the latest in a series of moves that trimmed down the agencies under the Office of the President in an attempt to clean up and maximize revenue generation.
Earlier, the Department of Finance (DOF) took over the supervision of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) but finance officials have already hit a stone wall trying to sort out the agency’s finances.
Sources at the DOF disclosed over the weekend that after the transfer of PAGCOR, President Arroyo wanted the DSWD to have full control over PCSO for its own cash and capital requirements.
Sources said an executive order was being drafted, transferring the authority to the DSWD which would thereafter be charged to rationalize PSCO’s income and the operation of some 50 PCSO lotto outlets in Metro Manila alone.
The transfer of PSCO to the DSWS is coming out shortly after the controversy over the resignation of DSWD Secretary Dinky Juliano-Soliman to give way to Vice President Noli de Castro.
De Castro has been promised by Mrs. Arroyo to take over the DSWD once elected into office.
Malacanang has already transferred three revenue-generating agencies to the DOF.
Transferred to the DOF were the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the Public Estates Authority and the Cooperative Development Authority.
Sources said DOF officials have met resistance specifically from PAGCOR as they initiated proceedings for the review of its financials and revenue targets.
According to Budget Secretary Emilia T. Boncodin, however, there was no reason for PAGCOR to delay opening up its financial sheets for a review.