PCSO chair denies fixing cases for Atong Ang, dares accuser to present proof

Retired judge and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairperson Felix Reyes on Wednesday vehemently denied allegations that he fixed court cases in favor of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

In a strongly worded statement, Reyes challenged whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as alias “Totoy,” to back his claims with concrete evidence.

“I categorically deny such wild accusations of Mr. Patidongan. I dare him to identify any specific case of Mr. Atong Ang or anything related to the Sabungero Case, which I understand is still pending in court, that I fixed or settled to the advantage of Mr. Ang,” Reyes said.

“If Mr. Patidongan cannot substantiate his accusation of case-fixing, I ask him to shut up,” he added.

To refute claims that he traveled overseas with prosecutors and judges to negotiate the outcome of cases, Reyes said he would authorize the Bureau of Immigration to release his travel records from the time he retired from the judiciary in October 2021.

The allegations stem from Patidongan’s claim that cockfighting enthusiasts who have been missing for years were allegedly killed under the orders of Ang — who supposedly had deep influence within the judiciary.

The Supreme Court has since launched a probe into possible interference in the so-called “Sabungero” cases, particularly by individuals said to have sway over judges and justices.

Reyes, who is currently vying for the position of Ombudsman, questioned the timing of the accusations.

“I find it perhaps a rare coincidence that these wild accusations of Mr. Patidongan came out a day after I filed my application for the position of Ombudsman,” he said.

Reyes added that he is ready to cooperate with any investigation to clear his name and protect the integrity of the judiciary and prosecution service from what he called “undeserved tarnishing.”