After Duterte lifts suspension order, PCSO resumes Lotto games

President Rodrigo Duterte last week ordered the closure of all PCSO gaming schemes due to “massive corruption” in the agency. (File Photo: PIO NCRPO/Facebook)

Operations of Lotto games are back after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the lifting of its suspension, the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) announced on Wednesday, July 31.

In its official statement, the PCSO announced the resumption of 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, and EZ2 Lotto.

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The resumption of the Lotto draws, the PCSO said, shall 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,” it said.

Those who are holding advanced Lotto tickets, meanwhile, were asked to wait for further draw schedule announcements.

President Rodrigo Duterte last week ordered the closure of all PCSO gaming schemes due to “massive corruption” in the agency. Although franchise holders and operators of Lotto outlets may resume with their operations, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, said on Tuesday that operations of other PCSO games such as Small-Town Lottery (STL), Keno and Peryahan ng Bayan (PNB) would remain suspended “pending the investigation on corrupt practices.”

The PCSO said it supports Duterte’s fight against corruption and illegal gambling activities and 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,” it added.

According to Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, they will look into the alleged corruption at the PCSO to find out why the President stopped 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?” Gordon told reporters on Tuesday.

The investigation, the senator said, may be conducted next week or the first week of August.