Lotto and keno winners can still claim their prizes, says PCSO

Holders of winning lotto and keno tickets can still claim their prizes despite the President's order to stop gaming activities connected to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the PCSO said.

In a post on its Facebook account on Saturday, the PCSO said that prizes from all winning Lotto and keno tickets may be claimed at its head office beginning Monday.

"May we inform the public that prizes, regardless of amount, of all LOTTO AND KENO winning tickets, which are valid within one (1) year from the draw date can be claimed at the PCSO Head Office, Conservatory Building, Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting July 29, 2019," it said.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday ordered a halt to all gaming operations with franchises, licenses or permits granted by the PCSO, citing corruption.

In response to Duterte's order, the police began going around placing closure signs and caution tape over lotto and small-town lottery (STL) outlets. 

The PCSO is the main government agency for raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character. 

In January this year, it posted a P63.5 billion income, marking a 20-percent growth from its revenue in 2017. — BM, GMA News