Mon | 11.18.2019
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairperson Andrea Domingo announced stronger cooperation with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to address the problem of fraudulent claims and the resumption on November 18, 2019 of PAGCOR acceptance of walk-in requests for financial medical assistance.
This follows the initial announcement of PAGCOR on November 13, 2019 that it would temporarily stop accommodating requests for financial aid beginning November 14 due to fraud committed by a couple who submitted fake documents for fictitious medical cases. While PAGCOR will pursue legal action against the couple, they have been released for humanitarian considerations.
PAGCOR will resume accepting medical assistance requests that will first be endorsed to PCSO for verification. PCSO will confirm whether a request has been issued a PCSO Guarantee Letter (GL).
The primary objective of enhanced PAGCOR and PCSO coordination is to maximize aid given to each patient, and to harmonize the systems of both agencies.
Under the arrangement, PAGCOR will be able to tap the assistance of PCSO, which has more human and organizational resources and experience in processing requests for medical assistance.
This interim measure is in preparation for responsible data-sharing and other long-term solutions that the two agencies have been exploring in light of their commitments under the Universal Health Care Law and the Malasakit Law.
PAGCOR further warns that individuals or groups found guilty of fraudulent activities against the agency shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.
PAGCOR is mandated to generate funds for the government through direct remittances to national coffers and other legal beneficiaries. To align with and support the current administration's priorities, it has also provided direct financial medical assistance to Filipinos in need.