Palma blames PCSO for controversy

CEBU, Philippines - Incoming Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the recent controversy regarding the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office giving “Pajeros” to bishops was actually the fault of the PCSO.

Palma, who officiated the morning Mass in celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at the Mabolo Parish Church, said the bishops were made to explain the mistake actually made by the PCSO.

Palma said the bishops indeed asked for a car to be used in their respective healthcare projects, poverty alleviation programs, and other developmental projects, and were given these through a Memorandum of Agreement.

“They followed the MOA, but when the COA (Commission on Audit) reviewed, they found out that the money given is supposed to have been taken not from the charity funds, but from the grants,” Palma said to the thousands who attended the Mass yesterday.

“But the bishops would say, salabutan ba namo kung asa ninyo kuhaon? Unta kamo na lang bahala ug grant. Ang among gipangayo sakyanan, we do not know where you are supposed to get it,” Palma continued. With his, Palma said there was a lapse on the part of the PCSO but the bishops were the ones made to explain.

“So that’s why we are kind of consoled when Senator Miriam (Defensor-Santiago) said pambihira naman tayong mga Senador. Sana pinag-aralan muna natin ito. Sana hindi na tayo dumating sa ganito, pinatawag pa natin ang mga obispo. There is nothing illegal, nothing anomalous. Yung PCSO ang nagkamali’,” Palma said.

Palma said he and two bishops were able to talk with the chairman of the PCSO and two lawyers before the Senate hearing and the same official said they did not mean to refer to the vehicles as Pajeros.

“Di ba usahay muingon ka, papalita ko ug Colgate, when what you mean is toothpaste, no? So how can we understand? Di ba if Pajero, luxurious, expensive. And I said but the truth is there is no truth to the Pajero, whatsoever,” Palma added.

Palma said they were happy that a hearing was conducted on the issue and eventually knew that there was nothing illegal or anomalous happening in the CBCP. (FREEMAN)