DAVAO CITY (March 8) — President Rodrigo Duterte fired Alexander Balutan, the general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Friday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, Balutan was fired “due to serious allegations of corruption”, but he did not elaborate.
But Balutan’s deputy spokesperson Florante Solmerin told reporters, Balutan resigned for personal reasons.
Balutan, a 1983 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy and former Marine officer, Balutan is among the retired generals Duterte tapped for civilian government posts. He was appointed to head the PCSO in September 2016,
In a statement, Panelo stressed “Good governance and public accountability are the twin hallmarks of the Duterte Administration. These are the standards that those in the government must exercise at all times and with utmost responsibility and fidelity. Those who fail to observe the same will inexorably suffer the harsh and punitive consequences.” Panelo said in a statement.
He added, “We hope that this will serve as a stern warning to all government officials and employees that there are no sacred cows in the current administration, especially when it comes to serving the Filipino people with integrity and loyalty.”
Balutan was previously hit with the allegedly “lavish” Christmas party of PCSO which allegedly cost P6 million.
Panelo added that the campaign against corruption, like the war on illegal drugs, will be relentless and continue until the last day of the President’s term.
Balutan drew controversy last year over a supposedly lavish PCSO Christmas party, where the agency spent about P6 million.-NewsLIne.ph
