THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is now under the supervision and control of the health department.

Executive Order No. 621, which took effect immediately repealed E.O. 520 issued on March 27 last year which placed the PCSO under the Office of the President.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita who made the announcement said the idea was to facilitate the coordination of policies and programs between the two government agencies, referring to the DOH and the PCSO.

“Ang PCSO kasi, ang dami-dami ng activities. Ako, alam ko. Ang dami kong pinipirmahan na endorsement para lamang bigyan ng pondo ng PCSO iyong mga mahihirap na hindi maka-afford ng dialysis, magpa-heart bypass. So a big percentage of the function of the PCSO is to help those who are in need of funds,” he said, adding that it was President Macapagal-Arroyo who thought of transferring the agency to the DOH supervision and control.

The PCSO is one of the government agencies tasked to raise and provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character. (DOS)