Former PCSO exec faces graft raps

MANILA, Philippines -  Two advertising firms filed graft charges yesterday against a former official of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) who allegedly asked them for hefty commissions.

In two separate complaints lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman, officials of Quizgem and Cross-Channel Advertising Services accused former PCSO advertising and promotions manager Manuel Garcia of demanding money from them each time they collected payment from the government agency.

Garcia allegedly threatened that their proposals and collections would not be acted upon “unless his share” is paid through deposits in his bank accounts.

Quizgem, represented by Alexander Quisumbing, said Garcia collected from them a total of P16.1 million from February 2006 to January 2008.

The money was deposited in bank accounts on various dates, Quisumbing said.

Cross-Channel, represented by Ludovico Yuseco, said Garcia collected a total of P12.6 million in commissions from their company from April 2009 to June 2010.

He said the respondent collected the money in the same manner by having various amounts deposited in just one bank account that was under his name.

Both advertising agencies said they have been doing business with the PCSO as a blocktime promoter for television networks that sell advertising placements and commercial spots for the government agency.

They said Garcia should be held liable for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Presidential Decree 46, which state that public officials and employees are “prohibited to receive, directly or indirectly, any gift, present or any other form of benefit in the course of official duties.”

PCSO board secretary Eduardo Araullo said Garcia filed a one-year leave of absence last March because he refused to be transferred to the agency’s marketing division.