Rep George Arnaiz said he will ask the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to clarify their statement naming him as one of the beneficiaries of PCSO funds during the Arroyo administration.
In an interview, Arnaiz said the PCSO statement that he received Php 11.5 million between 2007 to 2010 would lead many people to believe that all that money went to him.
“I did not get a single centavo of that money. All these funds were spent on Negrenses seeking medical help,” Arnaiz said, “and I see nothing wrong with that.”
He said more than 30 people from Negros Oriental received medical assistance from the PCSO during those years. “I can name them and you can interview them,” he said.
The name of Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (3rd Dist. Negros Oriental)was not on the list of PCSO beneficiaries but Teves, in the same interview, said he, too, made requests on behalf of some patients to the PCSO, which released “a substantial amount.” While no request from a congressman is refused, Teves said the amounts the PCSO gives would vary.
“Our experience was that we had to personally follow-up with PCSO in order to get a bigger amount for the person in need of medical assistance,” Teves said.
Both Arnaiz and Teves expressed hope that none of those who are questioning the release of PCSO funds for medical bills will not get sick and require medical assistance from PCSO.
Teves said that the new PCSO gives out smaller amounts for medical assistance.