Sen. Miriam Santiago defends Bishop from PCSO Controversy

Sen. Miriam Santiago’s declaration that “no constitutional violation” was committed with the disbursement of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds for the purchase of the prelates’ vehicles.

“The basic purpose of the grant of public funds is clearly stated on the face of the checks (issued by the PCSO) themselves: ‘purchase of service vehicles to be used by the diocese in its various community and health programs.’ If there is any benefit to the bishop and the diocese, it is merely incidental,” Santiago said.

Santiago blasted parties she said were eager to invoke the Constitution against the bishops when it was the Supreme Court that can decide the constitutionality of the cash grant that allowed the bishops to purchase vehicles.

“The COA report said that this action was a violation of the constitutional provision that no public money should be appropriated, directly or indirectly, for the use of any church,” said Santiago, chairperson of the Senate constitutional amendments committee.

“Under the Constitution, the power of the COA is to audit government funds, not to settle questions of constitutional law. The power is granted only to the Supreme Court,” she said.

She said the COA, instead of declaring the donations to the bishops as unconstitutional, should have instead recommended that the constitutional issue be raised in the Department of Justice, the official legal adviser of the executive branch of the government.

She warned that it would be the PCSO, and not the bishops, that would have to explain why it appeared to be favoring Catholic leaders.

by By Cathy Yamsuan, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer