Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairman Felix Reyes (Screenshot from Facebook live)

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Felix Reyes, a retired judge, says his role as the head of the agency’s board of directors is “far more dangerous” compared to his previous occupation given the number of death threats he has received so far.

“Akala ko mas delikado ‘yung buhay ko noong ako’y judge. Ako hinawakan ko ‘yung Maute cases, pero parang mas nakakatakot itong aming posisyon dito sa PCSO,” he told the House Committee on Appropriations during the agency’s budget hearing on Tuesday, August 6.

(I thought my life was more dangerous when I was a judge. I handled the Maute cases, but it seems that our position here at PCSO is more frightening.)

Reyes, a retired Marikina Regional Trial Court (RTC) presiding judge, gave this response following a concern raised by Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.

“Dahil may mga operation tayo ng STL (small town lottery), ang purpose natin ay patayin itong mga ilegalista, syempre maraming makakalaban ang PCSO“ said Libanan.

(Since we have STL operations, our purpose is to end these illegalistas, of course the PCSO will have opponents,)

According to Reyes, some STL operators who have been denied the right to operate have cause some issues for the PCSO.

This include the sending of death threats which, according to him, has become par for the course with his position in the agency.

“Dahil nga po sa pagbibigay ng karapatan para sa STL operation. Alam naman natin na may napapabigyan at mayron pong hindi, syempre ‘yung hindi napapabigyan magagalit po ‘yun,” stressed Reyes.

(It's because of granting the rights for STL operation. We know that some people are given these rights and some are not, of course those who are not given these rights will be angry.)

According to PCSO, the STL is a democratized form of the grassroots-based lottery and charity that was established to stamp out "jueteng" and other forms of illegal gambling.

Reyes, however, admits that his agency is still struggling to put an end to illegal gambling, especially with the number of bookies present in every community.

“Patuloy naman ang aming pagsisikap. Ang amin pong board ay patuloy na nag-iisip mg mga kaparaanan upang kahit papaano ay mabawasan ang proliferation ng illegal gambling,” he added.

(Our efforts continue. Our board is constantly thinking of ways to somehow reduce the proliferation of illegal gambling.)

Meanwhile, Libanan asked the PCSO to strengthen the security in its offices so that it would continue performing its function without delay.

“Sana naman safe kayong lahat diyan para tuloy-tuloy ang ating ayuda sa ating mga tao,” the lawmaker said.

(I hope you are all safe there so that we can continue to aid our people.)

PCSO is the principal government agency that is mandated to raise and provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities through charity sweepstakes, races, and lotteries.