Manila, Philippines – Malacañang Palace guarantee that
patients relying on PCSO’s medical assistance will proceed directly on President’s
office instead of the agency.
For the reason that President Duterte ordered the closure of
PCSO’s franchise gaming operations (Lotto, Peryahan ng Bayan, Keno games and STL)
on which the agency’s source of fund for charity, Presidential spokesperson
stated that the President has an optional fund. He also added that this fund
can be used by patients who relies on PCSO programs.
“We still have the Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Office of the President. The President has
discretionary funds. Those who need help, you can write us. We will just direct
your request to Pagcor and the Office of the President. You can expect that the
government is still ready to help you,” -Pañelo stated on a radio
interview.
Aside
from the discretionary funds, another option of the government is to collect
funds from PAGCOR; a government owned corporation that manages casinos. In
addition to that, sourcing from PAGCOR can also accommodate the Universal
Health Care program. Pañelo also added that even without an executive order, it
can be enforced instantly.
Aside
from the funds, Pañelo stated that there is a “grand conspiracy” between
stakeholders, enforcers, and officials of the said government agency (PCSO). He
also mentioned that authorities from PCSO bypass its income to the government.
Pañelo stated - “I think the
government loses 60 to 70 percent. But if the scoundrels make money off it, for
him, why should we implement this kind of project?”
He also added - “It certainly
helps. But if we are getting help from something involving massive corruption
and the people we should be trusting are involved, then maybe it’s better to
just close it”.
“I don’t know if it’s permanent. But for now,
he wants all PCSO gaming outlets closed”.
Stay tuned
for more news.
