“’Yung mga exposé, we’ll just have an open mind. Let’s prove them wrong. It’s not always from the chairman, not from GM (General Manager)—it starts from all of us here. Kailangan ipakita natin na we are not that kind of breed na sinasabi nila.”
This was how Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman Anselmo Simeon Patron Pinili addressed the agency during the Change of Command ceremony on Monday morning.
Pinili believes that public service is serving the people and serving them well.
“We should not be oppressive and [much more] think we are somebody. Kasi ’yung aking experience sa trabaho sa mga problemadong lugar, nakita ko ’yung shield pala para ’di ka magkaroon ng disgrasya is to be able to serve the people well. And I think it will be our shield if we serve the people well,” said Pinili.
Pinili, a retired general, served under the Philippine National Police and was the head of the Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime, prior to his appointment at PCSO. He replaced Jose Jorge Elizalde Corpuz, a member of PMA “Sandigan” Class ’82, who resigned due to health reasons.
“Paano ba serbisyuhan ang mga mamamayan natin? Madali lang yan! Kapag ang serbisyo mo nasa puso wala ng sasabihin pa,” said Pinili.
Pinili emphasized that he serves at the pleasure of the President, “We can defend our President if we follow his marching order: To stop or end corruption.”
Moreover, Pinili said he is honored to accept the challenge from a very respected upperclassman, referring to Corpuz. “I hope I will be at par with him in managing this office.”
Corpuz, who was present during the Change of Command ceremony, revealed that after suffering stroke two months ago, he suffered partial blindness (blind spot) that he had to choose his health and family over work.
“It’s nice to be alive. It’s very rare for a person like me to be given this privilege,” said Corpuz. “Do not take your health for granted, it’s no joke! There will come a time it will hit you. It’s a life-threatening sickness. I realized what’s important now is health, life, and family.”
Apart from thanking the PCSO leadership and the personnel for the support, he welcomed Pinili to PCSO and called for everyone to support him as well.
“GM [General Manager] and I had a very good tandem. But I’m sure the incoming chairman Bong who is from Davao, we’ve worked together, is a good man and a hard worker. Please support him. Malayo pa ang mararating ng PCSO. We are still on the rise, hindi pa tayo umabot sa tuktok.”
“When you’re here at PCSO, it’s very gratifying, very rewarding. Marami kang pagkakataon, marami kang matutulungan na tao. Being here at PCSO is more than being a regional director. It’s like being the Chief of Philippine National Police, mas masaya,” said Corpuz referring to Pinili.
Likewise, Balutan also welcomed Pinili’s appointment, who is a classmate from Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class 1983.
“Expect a harmonious relationship with me and Pinili. Welcome to PCSO Bong! Let’s soar PCSO to greater heights,” said Balutan.