PCSO media adviser resigns

A controversial media consultant of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has filed his irrevocable resignation to save the agency from further embarrassment arising from the P200,000 commission he allegedly received from a P3-million advertising contract.

Robert Rivero insisted he was innocent of the charges and his decision to resign would be for the good of the PCSO and its officials who have been feuding following the controversy.

"I am just a foot soldier. Whatever my superior tells me, I will obey. I just want to save the PCSO from further embarrassment," he said.

Rivero said he is consulting with his lawyers regarding possible criminal action against "those who fabricated the story."

He pointed out that Virgilio Garcia, owner of the production company that was supposed to have given the commission for approval of the contract, had already denied the allegation and said their account with the PCSO had long been settled.

Rivero said he is willing to face any investigation into the alleged commission, and, at the same time, vowed to "open a can of worms" that will expose anomalies in the agency.

Rivero’s resignation came after President Arroyo gave an ultimatum to feuding PCSO officials to settle their differences or face ouster from the agency.

She warned PCSO Chairwoman Ma. Livia "Honeygirl" Singson and general manager Angelo Virgilio as well as the agency’s board of directors against engaging in a media war in exposing anomalies.

De Leon earlier said she would pursue the investigation of the commission controversy.