(Eagle News)–Alexander Balutan is no longer the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager.
Some media reports said he was fired by President Rodrigo Duterte, but Florante Solmerin, deputy spokesperson at the Office of PCSO General Manager said he opted to resign for personal reasons.
Balutan was accused by then-newly-installed PCSO board member Sandra Cam of spending too much for a party for PCSO employees in December 2017.
Balutan had admitted to spending P6.3 million for the party, but said this was only to boost the morale of employees.
He also accused Cam of trying to get his post.
Duterte himself, however, backed Balutan in the issue.
“Sandra, do not be offended ha. Magkaibigan tayo. Huwag kang magalit. Eh ‘yung kay Balutan, all over, he spent about 4 million para sa lahat. If it was really a party..pinakain ang tao. Okay,” Duterte said in March last year.