PCSO Restarts Lotto Games Just a Few Days After President Shuts Down Entire Operations

Just a few days ago, the Philippine president halted all gaming activities of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), including lottery. Now the suspension has lifted and the operator can resume operations.

PCSO issued an official statement, announcing the resumption of its Lotto games which will take effect on July 31.

“Lotto draws that were suspended from July 27-30, 2019 shall proceed and will be conducted at the Official PCSO Draw Court at the PCSO Head Office, Conservatory Building, Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City,” read the statement.

The resumption is considering the following Lotto games:

• Lotto 6/42
• Mega Lotto 6/45
• Super Lotto 6/49
• Grand Lotto 6/55
• Ultra Lotto 6/58
• 6 Digit Game
• 4 Digit Game
• Suertres Lotto
• EZ2 Lotto.

Meanwhile…

… those who are holding advanced Lotto tickets were asked to wait for further draw schedule announcements.

The 180 Degree Shift in the President’s Opinion

Last week, Philippines president, Rodrigo Duterte, ordered the closure of all PCSO gaming schemes…

… due to “massive corruption” in the agency.

All PCSO-granted franchises and licenses have been terminated while more than 21,000 gaming outlets have been shut down across the country, including:

• 5187 lotto stores
• 13,320 small town lottery kiosks
• 2194 Peryahan ng Bayan outlets
• 472 Keno shops

“I have today ordered the closure, the stoppage of all gaming schemes or whatever nature however did that got the franchises to do so from the PCSO. The ground is massive corruption involving all. It becomes illegal because as of today all of those permits and concessions or whatever are terminated,” said the president.

The lifting of the suspension and allowing the operator to presume with its operations is quite surprising considering Duterte was strongly suggesting that nothing will change his mind.

“As of today I will not honor any order from any court stopping us or enjoining us to stop our desire to go into a massive investigation for the massive corruption that is existing in the PCSO,” he added.

Tables Have Turned

The suspension seems like water under the bridge since the operator is allowed to continue with its actions.

However…

… while franchise holders and operators of Lotto outlets may resume with their operations, that isn’t the case with all of the brand’s games.

Presidential Spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, said on Tuesday that PCSO other “games such as Small-Town Lottery (STL), Keno and Peryahan ng Bayan (PNB) would remain suspended “pending the investigation on corrupt practices.”

PCSO states that it supports the President’s fight against corruption and illegal gambling activities while emphasizing that it “continues its endeavor to fight and eradicate illegal gambling and corruption as the agency thrives in serving the public, especially those who are in dire need of help.”

“The agency programs, projects, and activities are aligned to the objective and goal of our national government,” the operator added.

According to the chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, Senator Richard Gordon, the organization will look into the corruption accusations in order to find the reason why Duterte initially halted PCSO’s gaming operations.

“Is it because there is actual corruption? Is it because there really is more money going to the illegal than the legal,” Senator asked reporters on Tuesday.

Gordon added that investigation may be conducted next week or the first week of August. For now, the suspension is lifted and PCSO can resume its gaming actions, at least regarding Lotto games.

Source:

“PCSO resumes Lotto games, draws after Duterte lifts suspension”, newsinfo.inquirer.net July 31, 2019.