Lotto operations in GCQ, MGCQ areas resume

The lotto games have been suspended for three months due to the implementation of the community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). (Photo by dylan nolte/Unsplash)

MANILA – Lotto operations are now allowed to resume in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine starting Wednesday.

In a public advisory, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office announced the resumption of the selling of lotto tickets, online Keno and Instant Sweepstakes.

However, Small Town Lottery games are still suspended.

The lotto games have been suspended for three months due to the implementation of the community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The agency also reiterated that the lotto ticket prices have been rolled back to PHP20.

Despite the absence of revenues since March, the PCSO has been aggressive in contributing to the national government’s medical and humanitarian response to the pandemic.

As of August 11, the agency has released a total of PHP6,677,315 worth of medical assistance to some 880 beneficiaries for this month alone under its Medical Access Program (MAP) mostly on medical needs of indigent Filipino like hospital confinement, chemotherapy, dialysis, and post-transplant medicines.

The program is funded by revenues from PCSO games nationwide.

PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said amid the Covid-19 crisis, the agency continues to provide medical assistance to the indigents seeking help from PCSO.