Solons want list of recipients of STL funds

Congressmen investigating alleged anomalies in the operation of small town lottery (STL) are likely to end up probing their own colleagues’ involvement in the controversy.

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability directed Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan to present the list of congressmen who have been receiving a share in the charity fund of PCSO’s STL operations in their respective congressional district.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty-Pimentel, committee chairman, has also issued an invitation to alleged gambling operator Bong Pineda to show up in the next scheduled hearing to answer accusations that STL firms he allegedly runs are fronting as illegal numbers games operation.

The House panel started its probe of alleged illegal operations of many STL joints authorized by the PCSO and the alleged lavish spending made by the statelottery agency’s during last year’s Christms party.

Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez called for a congressional hearing into the R6million disbursements made for the Christmas party as he assailed officials for the extravagance, saying that the money should have been put to better use by funding the hospitalization of indigent Filipinos.

On the other hand, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate also asked the House panel to conduct an inquiry into the alleged illegal operations of numerous STL firms that have been authorized to operate in various parts of the country.