Duterte lifts suspension on lotto operations

July 30, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to resume the operations of lotto.

In a statement Tuesday night, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that as per the advice of Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, the suspension of lotto operations has been ordered lifted by the President.

"Franchise holders and operators of lotto outlets may now resume with their operations. The lifting of the suspension of lotto operations takes effect immediately," he said.

In a text message to reporters, Medialdea said the suspension on the lotto operations was lifted because probers found no irregularities.

"Investigators found no anomalies in the conduct of its operation, its sanctity remained untainted and proper regulatory rules followed," he said.

But as to the rest of all gaming operations with franchises, licenses or permits granted by the PCSO, such as Small-Town Lottery (STL), Keno and Peryahan ng Bayan (PNB), they remain suspended pending the investigation of the alleged illegal activities and corrupt practices in the agency, he said.

Panelo, who is also the chief presidential legal counsel, said the Office of the President would evaluate the results of the probe.

Duterte ordered last Friday night the temporary stoppage of all the PCSO-run gaming schemes, including lotto, due to alleged massive corruption in the agency. Celerina Monte/DMS