New PCSO chair vows better public service

FILE: The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) (Photo: Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office)

MANILA — Newly-appointed Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Anselmo Simeon Patron Pinili on Monday vowed to serve the public well and follow the marching order of President Duterte to end corruption.

“We should not be oppressive and (much more) think we are somebody. Kasi ‘yung aking experience sa trabaho sa mga problemadong lugar, nakita ko ‘yung shield pala para ‘di ka magkaroon ng disgrasya (Based on my personal experience working in depressed areas, I can see that the shield) is to be able to serve the people well. And I think it will be our shield, if we serve the people well,” Pinili said during the turnover ceremony on Monday.

Pinili emphasized that he serves at the pleasure of the President.

“We can defend our President if we follow his marching order: to stop or end corruption.”

“‘Those exposes, we’ll just have an open mind. Let’s prove them wrong. It’s not always from the chairman, not from GM (General Manager) – it starts from all of us here. Kailangan ipakita natin na (We have to show that) we are not that kind of breed na sinasabi nila (that they are talking about),” he noted.

Pinili, a retired general, served under the Philippine National Police (PNP) and was the head of the Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime, prior to his appointment to the agency.

He replaced Jose Jorge Elizalde Corpuz, a member of PMA “Sandigan” Class ’82, who resigned due to health reasons.

Moreover, Pinili said he is honored to accept the challenge from a very respected upperclassman, referring to Corpuz. “I hope I will be at par with him in managing this office.”

Corpuz, who was present during the Change of Command ceremony, revealed after suffering stroke two months ago, he suffered partial blindness (blind spot) that he had to choose his health and family over work.

“It’s nice to be alive. It’s very rare for a person like me to be given this privilege,” said Corpuz.

“Do not take your health for granted, it’s no joke! There will come a time it will hit you. It’s a life-threatening sickness. I realized what’s important now is health, life, and family.”

Apart from thanking the PCSO leadership and the personnel for the support, he welcomed Pinili to PCSO and called for everyone to support him as well.

“GM (General Manager) and I had a very good tandem. But I’m sure the incoming chairman Bong who is from Davao, we’ve worked together, is a good man and a hard worker. Please support him. Malayo pa ang mararating ng PCSO. (The PCSO will still go a long way.) We are still on the rise, hindi pa tayo umabot sa tuktok. (We have yet to reach the peak.),” Corpuz said.

“When you’re here at PCSO, it’s very gratifying, very rewarding. Marami kang pagkakataon, marami kang matutulungan na tao. (You have many chances. You will be able to help a lot of people.) Being here at PCSO is more than being a regional director. It’s like being the Chief of Philippine National Police (PNP), mas masaya,” said Corpuz referring to Pinili.

Likewise, Balutan also welcomed Pinili’s appointment, who is a classmate from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class 1983.

“Expect a harmonious relationship with me and Pinili. Welcome to PCSO, Bong! Let’s soar PCSO to greater heights,” said Balutan. (PNA)