MANILA – The general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Wednesday admitted that there is “something wrong” with the small town lottery (STL) operation, noting the drop in its revenue.
STL operation has remained suspended after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an investigation on the alleged corruption within the PCSO. Operation of the more popular lotto was lifted Tuesday, less than a week after the President gave the order.
“You have to investigate kung nakita mo na yung revenue mahirap mangolekta, hindi namin nari-reach yung budget. There is something wrong,” PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said in a press conference.
Garma added that revenue drop is a cue to start an investigation into possible corruption in PCSO, the principal government agency for raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character through the conduct of charity sweepstakes and lotteries.
Garman attributed the revenue problem to delinquent Authorized Agent Corporations (AACs) — private businesses that organize and operate STL games — that fail to remit to PCSO.
“I think the best thing to do is to investigate. I appreciate the decision of the President because it will expedite the process,” she said.
To address the problem, Garma said they are studying possible amendments to the implementing rules and regulations of STL.
“May mali. Ito yung inaaral namin ngayon,” she said. (GMA News)
