PCSO abides by Duterte order to suspend games

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MANILA — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) vowed to abide by President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to suspend all its gaming activities amid alleged corruption among major players.

In a statement on Monday, the PCSO, a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) under the Office of the President (OP), said it would act in accordance with the President’s order until further notice.

“The PCSO immediately implemented the suspension last Saturday, July 27, 2019, wherein all Lotto and KENO terminals were automatically disabled at the Main Data Center of our system providers,” the PCSO said in a statement.

“The PCSO supports the decision of our dear President in eradicating corruption and illegal gambling activities. The Agency programs, projects and activities are aligned to the objective and goal of our national government,” it added.

The agency, meanwhile, announced that its Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP) services at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City and all PCSO Branch Offices nationwide will still be available unless otherwise instructed.

Those holding winning Lotto and KENO tickets, winners can still claim their prizes 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.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured the public that the OP will provide the public with financial assistance amid the PCSO gaming operations shut down.

Panelo said the public can simply write to either the OP or Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to seek assistance.

Duterte earlier ordered the closure of gaming operations all over the country due to a “grand conspiracy” among the major players and enforcers to cheat the government of its rightful shares.

According to Panelo, government is losing 60 to 70 percent of its rightful shares due to corruption among major players.