MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Tuesday said the supposed unauthorized benefits identified by the Commission on Audit have been “part and parcel” of what employees and officials receive for over two decades. In the joint statement of Chairman Jose Jorge Cruz and General Manager Alexander Balutan, PCSO said the benefits were covered by various approvals from the previous presidents since the administration of Fidel Ramos. Although it defended the said benefits, PCSO explained that the gaming firm has immediately suspended and stopped the releases or grant of these questioned benefits to its officials and employees. “The PCSO management will continue to abide with this instruction and our employees fully support the same,” the firm said. PCSO noted that the notices of disallowances issued by COA are still not final as many of these are pending appeals.

Source: Philippine Star October 31, 2017 10:41 UTC