Palace clarifies: PCSO’s Balutan was not fired, he resigned

(Eagle News)—The Palace on Monday, March 11, clarified Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan resigned from his post.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the clarification two days after he said Balutan had been fired by President Rodrigo Duterte due to “serious allegations of corruption.”

According to Panelo, Balutan indeed submitted a letter of resignation “out of delicadeza” to the Office of the President following the allegations, which the presidential spokesperson did not elaborate on.

“The said written communication was, however, formally received by the OP only after the Palace has already announced his cessation from office,” Panelo said.

Balutan came under fire after spending P6.4 million for the year-end party of  PCSO employees.

But President Rodrigo Duterte stood by him, saying it was “OK” if the employees were “fed.”