Lifestyle probe on PSC execs goes to PAGC

The lifestyle check on key officials of the Philippine Sports Commission is far from over.

This was revealed yesterday by Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella who said that the lifestyle check, which he initiated last September, has just been elevated to the powerful Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC).

The probe on PSC chairman Eric Buhain and seven other PSC officials was first brought up by Puentevella before the Commission on Audit (COA).

But Puentevella said the PAGC is in a "better position" to conduct the inquiry which stemmed from reports that Buhain and his "Magnificent Seven" have allegedly accumulated ill-gotten wealth or have been living way beyond their means.

"The COA requested that the lifestyle check be transferred to PAGC since it doesn’t have the manpower and resources to do the job. The PAGC is in a better position," said Puentevella, a former PSC commissioner.

The PAGC was formed to go after corrupt government officials. Among the government agencies covered by PAGC’s all-out campaign starting this year were the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs.

The PSC, according to Puentevella, is no different, considering that it has an annual budget of close to half a billion pesos. Where the money goes, or how it is spent will be part of the investigation.

Aside from Buhain, undergoing investigation are his executive assistants Ike Buan and Sean Solis, executive director Ed Mateo, grassroots development head Ariel Paredes, venue administrator Tatz Suzara, media bureau chief Arsenic Lacson and administrative officer Dennis Rivera.

Previous reports said that Buhain and his assistants have been moving around in expensive luxury vehicles. Buhain himself admitted to owning seven vehicles but said he acquired most of them even before he was appointed PSC chairman almost two years ago.

Last month, there were persistent reports that Buhain was on the way out and that Malacanang, apparently dissastisfied with his performance, has offered the post to Robert "Dodot" Jaworski Jr.

Buhain denied the story as he continued to face other charges and allegations like the illegal importation of racehorses intended for Pampanga Gov. and presidential son Mikey Arroyo, and the delay in the release of allowances and salaries of national players and PSC employees.