By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
Malacañang has assured that President Duterte will get into the bottom of the reported R10-million Christmas party of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City last Tuesday.
PCSO Director and “jueteng” (an illegal numbers game) whistleblower Sandra Cam has claimed that the State charity agency spent around P10 million for the Christmas party.
Cam skipped the event in protest and called the gathering inappropriate for an agency that helps the less fortunate.
PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan refuted Cam’s claims and said they only spent R6 million for the party.
Balutan said the Department of Budget and Management approved P14 million for the event but he reduced it to P6 million.
What they saved, Balutan said, will be added to the calamity fund for tropical storm “Urduja.”
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte, despite not yet having information about the party, will look into the matter.
“I have no information yet. I think you know that the President does not tolerate extravagance so we do not know yet. I’m sure the President will look into the matter,” Roque said.
“As you know, he’s very sensitive to what is reported by his own people in the different branches of government. Let’s just say that with or without an order, the President takes heed,” he added.
