Calls for Resignation Extend Beyond Cabinet Members
The call for voluntary resignation should not be limited to Cabinet secretaries but also include the leaders of underperforming government agencies and corporations, community leaders said. This perspective comes amid President Marcos’ appeal for officials to step down voluntarily to help realign the government and better serve the public.
According to sources familiar with the matter, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), along with problematic agencies like the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI), must also consider stepping down.
Concerns Over Government Agency Performance
“Bakit mga Cabinet Secretary lang ang pagbibitawin sa pwesto? Dapat kasama din ang mga pinuno ng ahensya tulad ng PCSO at PAGCOR na sinasayang ang kaban ng bayan sa mga gawain na walang totoong pakinabang sa mamamayang Pilipino,” said a local advocacy group leader, emphasizing that agency heads who waste government funds without delivering real benefits should also resign.
Reports indicate the PCSO has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of corruption, questions surrounding the legitimacy of lottery winners, and accusations of rigged lottery results. The unresolved killing of a former PCSO board secretary in 2020 further adds to the agency’s troubled reputation.
Several lawmakers have urged the PCSO chairman to resign, especially after allowing online lotteries to continue without explicit approval. Advocates argue that the PCSO has failed to protect vulnerable groups, especially children, from the risks associated with its e-lotto or online lottery projects.
Criticism of PAGCOR’s Management
Similarly, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has drawn criticism for permitting Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) to operate unchecked, particularly under the current leadership. Observers point out that these operations have become notorious as hubs for online scams, negatively affecting millions of Filipinos.
Furthermore, some government officials have reportedly been linked to facilitating deals for POGOs, raising concerns about corruption and governance within these agencies.
In summary, the call for voluntary resignation should encompass not only Cabinet members but also the heads of underperforming agencies and GOCCs. This broader approach aims to foster government accountability and better service to the Filipino people.
For more news and updates on voluntary resignation government agencies, visit Filipinokami.com.