Solon: Does admin need supplemental budget with suspension of lotto, other PCSO games?

Iligan City Representative Frederick Siao is asking concerned departments whether Congress needs to pass a supplemental budget to make up for revenue losses for charity programs incurred by a halt in the gaming operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). 

Siao, a former member of the House Committee on Appropriation, urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Finance (DOF) to inform Congress in writing and in public hearing of the budget impact of the stoppage of PCSO's gaming operations.

"We want to see the DBM and DOF detailed estimates, scenarios, and back-up measures," Siao said.

"We want them to inform the House if we need to approve a supplemental budget to make up for the revenue shortfall, considering the impact on charity operations and mandatory contributions to the budgets of various agencies, programs, and projects," he added.

According to Siao, 30% of PCSO's earnings proceed to its charity fund which is used solely to finance and support health programs, medical assistance and services national in scope.

"If a supplemental budget is quickly needed, the budget bill for this purpose has to be certified as urgent by the President," he added.

Duterte has ordered a halt in all gaming operations with franchises, licenses or permits granted by the PCSO, citing "massive" corruption.

Since the order took effect on Saturday, the Philippine National Police has served closure notices to more than 5,000 lotto, small town lottery (STL), Peryahan ng Bayan (PNB) and keno outlets.

More than 5,000 lotto outlets, 13,000 STL outlets, 2,000 PNB outlets, and 400 keno outlets have also been closed down.

The PCSO said it will appeal the order of the President.

"To our valued customers, please be advised that our PCSO games are suspended pursuant to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. All players with advance play tickets are advised to keep their tickets until further notice," PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said. —NB, GMA News