PCSO expects to collect P27B revenue with STL expansion

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office expects to collect some P27 billion in revenues with the expansion of the operation of the small town lottery (STL).

In his opening statement during the launch on Tuesday, PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan said the increase in collection would mean more for the government in terms of increased funding for the administration’s charity services and charity funds for the local government units and the Philippine National Police.

STL will now be in 56 areas all over the country from the previous 18.

PCSO launches expanded STL operation. STL is now in 56 areas from the previous 18. @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/u8HDVVOxXD

— amitalegaspi (@amitalegaspi) January 31, 2017

“The expanded STL is expected to bring in a collection of a conservative total amount of P27 billion for this year,” Balutan said.

He added that for the first time, the PCSO now has a clear picture of how much funds they expect to get from STL now that it is legal, documented, and supervised by the government.

“The allocation and utilization of these funds can be traced and properly managed,” he said.

Warning vs. illegal gambling

Balutan also warned illegal gambling operators and their protectors that their days are numbered.

“I’m warning you, you can run but you cannot hide. Go legal or else we will arrest you and file appropriate charges against you,” he said.

Balutan said illegal gambling has become the breeding ground for the giving of payola as a known accepted practice utilized by illegal gambling operators.

To prevent this, PCSO will now give a share from STL operations to municipalities, provinces, districts, and the police force.

“Steps have been taken to cultivate transparency and accountability in utilizing these funds through the implementing rules and regulations and the memorandum of agreement with the PNP. Such measures ensure that these charity funds translate to medical services and health programs for all,” said Balutan.

Under the MOA, the PNP is mandated to help the PCSO to combat, stamp out illegal numbers games, and prevent the operations of illegal lottery and numbers games, as well as other illegal gambling activities.

The PNP is also the main agency tasked to report to PCSO if any person attempts or offers a bribe directly or indirectly to any officer or member of the PNP, in relation to the STL operations. A bribe can be in the form of money or anything of value or consideration.

In return, the PCSO will allocate 2.5 percent to the charity fund of the PNP and its offices which have jurisdiction over the locations where STL tickets are sold.

The 2.5 percent will be divided into:

• 0.40 percent to the national headquarters;
• 0.40 percent to the Police Regional Office;
• 0.50 percent to  the Police Provincial Office;
• 0.70 percent to the Local Police  Station;
• 0.20 percent to the CIDG-National.;
• 0.20 percent to the CIDG Regional Office; and
• 0.10 percent to the CIDG-Provincial.

Based on the MOA, the PNP has crafted a fiscal directive on the policies and procedures in the administration of the PNP's share from the STL sales of the PCSO.

The directive states that proceeds from the STL shall be treated as PNP Trust Liabilities and will be available for use by the PNP to fund programs, activities, and projects.

Under the MOA, the PNP is to utilize its STL share according to the PCSO charter. —KG, GMA News