MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte decided to lift the suspension of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s number game “lotto” as there was no anomaly in the conduct of its operation.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said on Tuesday evening that the government’s probe on alleged corruption in lotto yielded negative results.
“Investigation found no anomalies in the conduct of (lotto) operation,” Medialdea said in a press statement. “Its sanctity remained untainted and proper regulatory rules followed.”
Medialdea, however, said that the rest of gaming operation with franchises, licenses or permits granted by the PCSO, such as Small Town Lottery, Keno and Peryahan ng Bayan (PNB) shall remain suspended with the investigation still ongoing.
Duterte on Tuesday evening has lifted the suspension of PCSO’s lotto operations allowing the popular numbers game to be played again starting on Wednesday night.
As part of Duterte’s directive, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that lotto operators may now remove the “closed” sign in their booths with police officers ready to assist.
“All lotto operators may now remove the closed signages police have put on their outlets,” PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said.
He added that all PNP units are directed to visit all lotto outlets and assist operators in removing the signages if needed.
Just late last week, the President announced the suspension of all PCSO operations, including Lotto, due to alleged “massive corruption” among the people inside the agency.
Following the issuance of the order, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines make rounds around the country to ensure that all Lotto outlets were closed.
The PCSO is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President which is tasked to raise and provide funds for health programs./PN
