It was not too long ago when I visited the website of the Philippine Community Council – NSW <www.pcc-nsw.org>
I was impressed by its transparency because the Treasurer’s Report and details of the PADER Account at Westpac were readily available. Both were just a click away and available for public viewing. After all, the Treasurer’s Report is indeed supposed to be a public document.
So I started doing my analysis for the benefit of readers of Philippine Sentinel but had to suspend the activity because of many other pressing matters. But Lo and Behold! When I found time to revisit the PCC website, the PADER Account at Westpac and Treasurer’s Report have already been deleted. In its place, there was a note that the two items could be made available upon request. The procedure required full identification of the person making the inquiry. Thus, he had to register his full name and email address. There were other requirements that appear to be in violation of the Privacy Act. I tried it anyway but as of this writing, I have received no response from the board of PCC.
What is the PCC Board trying to hide?
Anyone who visits the website of small and big corporations and other organisations know that the Treasurer’s Report can easily be viewed online. One only has to click on the link and the required information becomes readily available.
I found out from very reliable sources that during last month’s meeting of the PCC board, Mr. Alric Bulseco (Vice President – External) demanded that such information be deleted from the website. His justification was that it has never been done before. Well, if that is true, then the previous PCC board was negligent and was trying to hide vital information from its affiliates and the Filipino community.
If I remember correctly and at the time when the Treasurer’s Report was still available in the PCC website, Mr. Bulseco still owed $690 from the sale of Philippine National Day Ball tickets. The PND Ball was held way back in June 2014 — six months ago! Further information revealed that the board allowed Bulseco to pay back the amount in instalments. Does Bulseco have that much clout in the board? As the person who sold the tickets, shouldn’t he be held responsible to liquidate the account? Has he actually collected payment from the person(s) who bought the tickets? Who are these persons? Will they please come forward and tell PCC and Philippine Sentinel if payment has indeed been made? Is Bulseco in financial hardship? Doesn’t he have a job? Isn’t he gainfully employed?
I honestly think that the Treasurer should write off the amount which is 180 days old. That is standard accounting practice of corporate entities in order to clean up their books. If ever any amount is collected, the entry can be entered in ‘Sundry Recoveries.’
As a consequence, the person owing this long overdue amount should be sacked by the President who should be in a position to make an executive decision. The ball is in your hands Mr. Relunia. You cannot be a nice guy all the time.