4 SUVs returned by bishops 'in limbo' at PCSO

MANILA, Philippines - The fate of four sport utility vehicles (SUVs) returned by the Catholic Church to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) remains uncertain.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has yet to come out with a ruling on how to deal with the vehicles, which were returned after the Senate conducted an investigation on the use of PCSO funds last year.

The COA had questioned the donation of the vehicles during the term of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Catholic Church as charity funds are supposed to be for medical and health care assistance, not to buy cars.

Among the cars that were returned were a white Mitsubishi Estrada (ZTP-593) registered to Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian; a 2010 Isuzu Crosswind (NQS-664) registered to Caritas Nueva Segovia in Vigan, Ilocos Sur; a 2011 Mitsubishi L300 (AEY-772) registered to the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe in Mountain Province; and a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder (BCE-579) registered to Fr. Rotillo Mamuag of Centro Alcala in Cagayan province.

According to a report submitted by the PCSO’s acquired assets department, the beneficiaries received financial grants in 2009, which the Catholic Church officials used to buy SUVs.

The PCSO’s problem, according to the report, is that it cannot include the returned vehicles among its acquired assets because the SUVs are registered in the name of the bishops and their parishes.