Duterte Suspends Lotto, STL, PCSO Games
On Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to shut down the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), a government-owned and controlled corporation for raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character.
The PCSO holds and conducts charity sweepstakes, races, and lotteries to fund their health and welfare-related investments, projects, and activities. They also have KENO Lotto Express, a fast game for only Php 12 in a chance to win Php 1-million.
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These outlets can be found in many places all over the country
In his video message aired on social media by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the President said:
“Pending investigation, all games on lotto, STL, Peryahan ng Bayan, or whatever nature… I said all gaming activities… that got their franchise from the government through PCSO are, as of today, suspended or terminated because of massive corruption.”
“So it becomes illegal because as of today all of those permits and concessions, and whatever are terminated,” he added. Lotto and Small Town Lottery (STL) outlets nationwide were closed by the police on Saturday morning.
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On Monday evening, Sen. Bong Go explained in a statement that an official from within PCSO asked help from the President to uncover the anomalies in some games and the corruption within the department.
Affected players and subsidies
In a statement, the PCSO advised its customers that its “games are suspended, pursuant to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte” and that “all players with advanced play tickets are advised to keep their tickets until further notice.”
Senators have aired their concern over the unclear motive for closure; Sen. Grace Poe said alleged corruption in the PCSO must be uncovered swiftly as many indigent Filipinos rely on it for medical subsidies.
In a report by ABS-CBN, Sen. Nancy Binay said that suspension was a blow to those 120,000 workers of lotto outlets nationwide and those in games operated by the PCSO.
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History of Lotto
Lotteries have been in existence in the Philippines as early as 1833. The Spanish Government conducted loterias to generate revenues. In fact, Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal won Php 6,200 in the draw of 1892, which he donated to an educational project.
Under R.A. 1169, the amended IRR for instant sweepstakes, the PCSO has the authority “… to hold and conduct lotteries and similar activities” to generate funds.
Last year, PCSO recorded an estimated profit of Php 64 billion. Thirty percent of this profit goes to the agency’s Individual Medical Assistance Program, which is also one of the identified sources for the universal health care (UHC) program.
As of writing, there is no announced deadline for the internal investigation on PCSO or when regular operations will resume.
Sources: Inquirer, ABS-CBN News, PCSO, R.A. 1169, PCOO, ANC 24/7
