PCSO invites senators to observe, erase doubts on lotto draws

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has invited senators to observe the processes concerning the conduct of lotto draws.

In a statement issued Monday, PCSO General Manager Mel Robles said the Senate Committee on Games and Amusements can even conduct an unannounced inspection to witness the entire lotto draw process to "erase any doubts about the integrity of results" in the lottery draws.

"The PCSO for the past 89 years, has kept its integrity beyond question. And we are committed to following that unsullied reputation. That's why we are inviting our honorable senators for them to see how the actual processes work," he said.

His statement came following reports that senators have expressed doubts over the increasing number of lotto winners for the past months.

The letter was addressed to committee chairperson Senator Manuel Lapid, vice-chairpersons Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go and Senator Raffy Tulfo, as well as committee members Senators Jose Ejercito Jr., Francis' Chiz' Escudero, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Francis Tolentino, and Risa Hontiveros.

"We are committed to openness and accountability in the conduct of all our lottery activities. We believe that fostering transparency in the lotto draw process is crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in the integrity of our operations," Robles said.

Earlier, Senator Imee Marcos said she is puzzled by the increasing number of lotto winners, even saying that it could set a Guinness world record.

She said that in October 2023, the PCSO announced that 433 individuals won the P236 million 6/55 lottery.

At a Senate inquiry last week, the PCSO said it was willing to submit the names of lotto winners in an executive session if subpoenaed.

This came after the PCSO received flak after an edited photo of a Lotto 6/42 jackpot winner went viral.

Robles confirmed that the photo was edited to protect the Bulacan winner who claimed the Lotto 6/42 jackpot worth P43,882,361.60 at the PCSO main office on December 28, 2023.

"Sa executive session, I need to know kung sino yang nanalo kasi nga meron mga balita na katropa nyo ang nanalo,” Senator Raffy Tulfo was quoted as telling Robles in a “24 Oras” report.

(I need to know the winners during the executive session because there were reports that your ‘friends’ won the lotto.)

“So kailangan ko ang pangalan identity nung nanalo…Kung kinakailangan ko mag-hire ng private detective. Kapag na-trace na lumitaw na hindi talaga connected sa inyo e ‘di sasabihin ko rin dito,” said Tulfo.

(I need the identities. We will trace if they were connected with you. I’ll do that even if we need to hire a private detective.) — RSJ/KBK, GMA Integrated News