Shouting match erupts during House hearing on small-town lottery

MANILA, Philippines — Negros Oriental Rep. Arnulfo Teves and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board member Sandra Cam engaged in a shouting match yesterday during a House hearing on the PCSO’s small-town lottery (STL) project.

Tempers flared when Teves said Cam accused PCSO officials and lawmakers of corruption.

He said Cam should not be making baseless accusations.

Cam refuted Teves’ remarks, saying she could prove her allegations.

She claimed that Teves was involved in STL operations in his province.

“I am not!” Teves said with a raised voice.

“You are involved!” Cam insisted.

The two called each other liars.

Teves challenged the PSCO executive to produce proof that he was involved in STL operations in Negros Oriental.

“If you can support your allegation with evidence, I will resign from the House of Representatives. If you fail, you should give up your PCSO seat,” he said.

Cam accepted the challenge.

Teves also urged the games and amusement committee chaired by Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting to cite Cam in contempt if she could not prove her accusation in the next hearing.

Cam told reporters that she would not walk away from a fight with Teves or any lawmaker.

“He called me stupid, he too is stupid!” she said.

Teves vowed to file a libel suit against Cam.

The PCSO board member earlier accused her superiors at the charity agency of allegedly making money out of STL operations. She has so far provided no proof.

Cam attended the previous hearing with gaming consultant Charlie “Atong” Ang, who aired similar accusations against the PCSO officials.

Ang claimed that the PCSO could make much more than the P1.7 billion it is receiving from STL operators. But when asked to show evidence, all he could provide were estimates of collections.