Chiz backs PSC move to check fund misuse

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero yesterday said the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) should closely examine its books to determine how much of its limited funds have gone to waste due to malpractice and mismanagement of sports associations.

Escudero’s suggestion follows the PSC’s decision to file criminal charges against the head of a national sports association (NSA) who was discovered to have allegedly withdrawn the salary of a foreign coach from his automatic teller account months after the coach had left the country.

The PSC has also warned it would file criminal complaints against other sports association leaders who have failed to liquidate their advances from the country’s main sports body.

 “It’s the first time the PSC has done this. And if it is standing on solid legal ground in filing criminal charges against erring NSA leaders, then we should encourage its leadership to do so,” Escudero said.

The 39-year old senator reminded NSAs and other similar non-government organizations which benefit from PSC support to be responsible in spending the money they receive from the sports agency.

“They should remember that what they receive is only a form of assistance. The money that the PSC disburses are bound by rules which should be strictly followed to the letter,” Escudero said.

“It takes a PSC leadership with guts to chase after those responsible for squandering funds intended for the welfare and training of our athletes. It’s about time we end the reign of profiteers masquerading as sport leaders,” he said.

Escudero, however, warned PSC Chairman Harry Angping not to use this campaign to go after his rivals in the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

“It is no secret that Chairman Angping is being backed by Mr. Art Macapagal. I hope these charges are not being pursued because of his rivalry with POC president (Jose) Peping Cojuangco. Politicking would only taint his efforts to cleanse the PSC,” he added.