GMA warns feuding PCSO execs anew

President Arroyo has again warned top officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) against engaging in any "covert or overt media war," saying they would be axed if the feuding continues.

The President issued the warning last Friday when she made an unannounced visit to the PCSO headquarters on E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City.

She reminded feuding officials PCSO chairman Ma. "Honeygirl" Livia Singson and general manager Angelo Virgilio as well as the agency’s board of directors that all of them were her appointees and should serve at her pleasure.

"I told Honeygirl and Mr. Virgilio that I do not countenance any graft and corruption, but if they want to pursue charges against each other, it must be done in accordance with what is provided in the laws," Mrs. Arroyo said.

She said PCSO officials like those in any other government agency must comply with administrative rules and regulations in going after suspected grafters.

Her PCSO appointees have recently been swapping graft charges against each other and their accusations and bickering have been covered extensively by media.

"I warned them that if I find anyone of them engaged in covert or overt media war, I will not hesitate to take appropriate action," the President said.

During her visit to the PCSO headquarters, Mrs. Arroyo instructed De Leon to abandon plans of spending P20 million for the construction of a new building at its old San Marcelino compound in Manilato house a computer network.

She cited the government’s budgetary constraints, saying she would rather see the P20 million spent on improving facilities of government-owned hospitals. – Marichu Villanueva