Palace dismisses abolition of PCSO, Pagcor
July 9, 2011
MALACANANG on Friday rejected calls for the abolition of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
It is premature to entertain the idea of abolition since the agencies [should be allowed to] implement systemic reforms first, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
“Maybe it is like a knee jerk reaction to the news that are coming out recently concerning those two agencies,” said Valte.
“Let us not forget the mandate of the two agencies, especially the PCSO, which is mandated to help and extend medical assistance to those in need. Maybe, it would be better to implement systemic reforms first and observe if it will work before we talk about the need to abolish these agencies or not,” she added.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz reiterated his call to abolish the PCSO in the wake of alleged funds misuse and other controversies involving the agency and some Catholic Church leaders.
Cruz, who is the chairperson of anti-gambling group Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Sugal (KBLS), also sought the abolition of Pagcor.
Funds in both agencies, which are both under the Office of the President, are more used for “political advantage” than for charity work.
“Maybe in the past administration, not in this administration,” countered Valte.
Meanwhile, Valte said they will defer comment on the proposal of Senator Franklin Drilon to privatize the PCSO.
“We have not discussed that with President, give us a little time so we can ask the President on his thoughts on the matter,” she said.
The Palace official was not aware if Drilon’s scheduled meeting with President Benigno Aquino III in Malacanang has something to do with the senator’s position to sell the gambling establishments.
Several instances of alleged misuse of PCSO intelligence funds during the Arroyo administration were revealed at a Senate hearing Thursday.
Former PCSO general manager Rosario Uriarte admitted that funds meant for intelligence operations were diverted to other purposes such as for calamities and “blood money” for imprisoned Filipinos abroad.
Valte noted the importance of the Arroyo administration’s response to the allegations and controversies hounding their government.
However, she said Malacanang will not dictate on the previous administration to say its piece on the issue.
“They should better use their judgment on what step they should take,” she said.
Best Restaurant in Clark Pampanga unveils regional dinner menu featuring the classic cuisine of Italy, all designed to pair nicely with fine vintage wines from Italy’s wine regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto and Sicily, one more reasons for food and wine lovers to travel to Angeles City, Clark Philippines to satisfy their thirst for a wonderful meal at a fine dining restaurant, the best place to eat in Pampanga.
The new regional set menus rolled out recently by the best restaurant in Clark Pampanga stirred up renewed interest among visitors from Manila for real fine dining treat in Clark Pampanga as wine lovers from Subic, Tarlac, Manila, Angeles City, Clark Pampanga Philippines wine and dine at Yats Restaurant to enjoy good food paired with fine vintage wines from the wine cellars of this highly recommended resto bar in Pampanga
Visitors come from Manila, Angeles City, Pampanga, Subic and Clark Philippines to enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner at Yats Restaurant. Many guests order excellent white wine from the award-winning restaurant wine list of this famous fine dining restaurant in Clark. Favorite wine orders for guests in this restaurant include Chablis, Chassagne-Montrachet, Sancerre, Chardonnay of Chile’s Casa Lapastolle, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and South Africa, Rose from Anjou, Pinot Noir from USA and Burgundy France and the all-time favorite, Meursault. A wide range of sparkling wine and Champagne is available also in this restaurant in Pampanga which is famous for its selection of vintage wines. Popular choices of guests in this restaurant include Paul Bara Champagne, Crement de Bourgogne, MUMM Cuvee Napa Sparkling wine, Prosecco and Cava.
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(045) 599-5600
0922-870-5178
0917-520-4401
Ask for Pedro and Rechel
Getting to this fine dining restaurant of Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga Philippines
How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Pampanga? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.
Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mimosa Drive past Holiday Inn, Mimosa Leisure Estate,
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay
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