SC probes PCSO exec, ex-judge tied to Atong Ang, missing sabungeros

An investigation has been launched by the Supreme Court into a former judge — now a top official of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) — identified by whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan as a fixer for gambling kingpin Atong Ang, the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and possible killing of several missing sabungeros.

The probe was confirmed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who said the Supreme Court has taken the lead in investigating the former magistrate, who allegedly facilitated legal maneuvers to benefit Ang.

Remulla said the SC is actually investigating the said former judge adding that he had spoken with a justice about the matter earlier that day.

In a recent radio interview, Patidongan claimed the ex-judge holds a high-ranking post in the PCSO and continues to enjoy protection from other top officials in the agency — some of whom allegedly maintain close ties with Malacañang.

The former sabungero, now a key witness, said this protection allowed the ex-judge to act with impunity in fixing legal issues for Ang.

Remulla hinted that the scope of the investigation extends beyond the judge, citing irregular behavior “na hindi maganda para sa justice system.”

He added, “Hindi lang judges... they are very sensitive about what should be done to improve our justice system. And the Supreme Court is the best ally we have for this.”

Remulla also confirmed that Patidongan had issued a sworn statement, but discussions on whether he will be admitted as a state witness are still ongoing.

“We were discussing that this morning with the Prosecutor General, but we haven't concluded anything yet,” he said.

“There will be layers of sediments because there are eruptions going on, there will be murkiness in the water because of the weather — but that being the case, it doesn’t stop us looking into the lake as the resting place of many of those missing people,” Remulla added, alluding to the grim fate that may have befallen the missing sabungeros.

The case has drawn widespread public attention since 2022, as families of the missing men demand justice. The new revelations linking a PCSO official to the case have only heightened calls for a full government crackdown on what appears to be a well-entrenched network of corruption, gambling, and judicial abuse.