‘PCSO not mandated to remit revenues to Noy social fund’

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO ) is not required to remit any amount to the President’s Social Fund.

Speaking to reporters yesterday at the weekly Bulong Pulungan sa Sofitel in Pasay City, PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II said revenues of PCSO from gaming activities are allocated and distributed strictly in accordance with the PCSO charter: 55 percent to the prize fund, 30 percent to charity and 15 percent to the operating fund.

In a statement, PCSO chairman Margarita Juico said PCSO disbursements of revenues are made in accordance with pertinent laws and their implementing guidelines, rules, and regulations.

“More importantly, President Aquino never even tried to influence and never influences the PCSO Board in the allocation and distribution of the PCSO’s corporate funds,” she said.

“In fact, the President’s only directive for us in the PCSO is to equitably distribute PCSO resources and extend immediate and adequate assistance to those who deserve and need it most.”

Juico said PCSO remains true to its commitment to extend assistance as the law requires and does not tolerate any disbursements contrary to existing government rules and regulations.

“In adherence to its main thrust of providing funds for health programs and other charities, the PCSO is engaged in various social welfare and development programs,” she said.

“The main programs of the agency are as follows: endowment fund/quality health care program, individual medical assistance program, community outreach program, ambulance donation program, national calamity and disaster program, and hospital renovation and improvement of health care facilities.”

The PCSO makes mandatory contributions to the Commission on Higher Education, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter and Urban Development Financing Program, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Commission on Indigenous People, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Centennial Commission, Philippine Sports Commission, and the Quirino Memorial Medical Center, as well as regular quarterly and monthly contributions to charitable institutions engaged in giving welfare services to the children and youth either abandoned or exploited, the elderly, and the physically and mentally handicapped.