PSC chair Garcia ‘surprised’ by malversation raps

Philippine Sports Association Chairman Richie Garcia. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia said that he was “surprised” by the malversation case filed against him and others by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV Wednesday.

Trillanes filed the case against Garcia, Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., among others, before the Office of the Ombudsman for the alleged release of funds to bogus National Sports Associations.

“Yes, I was surprised for there is no basis,” Garcia told INQUIRER.net through a text message. “I guess we will find out who is telling the truth when the time comes.”

Garcia said the PSC, a government body tasked to promote the country’s sports programs, follows procedures when it comes to the releasing of funds.

“We are following the procedure on his (sic).  Funds are released and always approved by the board,” Garcia also said.

In PSC’s official website, there are 52 listed NSAs.

INQUIRER.net is still trying to reach the side of POC as of posting time.
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Trillanes files raps vs PSC, POC over release of funds to bogus sports groups