Spare poor, innocent employees from PCSO gaming outlets shutdown

President Duterte said the closure of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) gaming outlets is to get rid of massive corruption.

Even if this is true, said closure has a negative impact not only on operators but also on ordinary employees. But while operators will suffer less because they are already rich, laid-off employees will suffer the most because they are generally poor.

Mr. Duterte has said many times in the past that there is widespread corruption in the government and eradicating this problem is one of his top priorities. Indeed, he has replaced some heads of departments as well as commissioners under the principle of command responsibility.

On the other hand, shutting down PCSO gaming outlets is a sweeping generalization, and does not put the blame on the general manager. It penalizes everyone, including the noncorrupt employees. Before shutting it down, the President could have made a plan to help displaced employees.

Moreover, this move kills an income-generating arm that funds health and medical assistance programs and charities. It would have been better if Mr. Duterte looked into how PCSO could continue without the lotto and small town lottery.

Mr. President, maluoy ka intawon sa mga walay sala (please have mercy on the innocent).

ARSENIO UNAJAN BAQUILID

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