PNP says lotto operators may remove ”closed” signages

July 31, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Wednesday said all lotto operators may remove the “closed” signages the police placed on their outlets.

This after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office ( PCSO) to resume lotto operations Tuesday night.

“With the newest order of the President allowing the resumption of lotto operations, all lotto operators may now remove the signages that the PNP placed on their outlets,” said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, the PNP spokesman, said in a statement.

Banac said Police General Oscar Albayalde has directed all PNP units to visit all lotto outlets and assist operators in removing signages.

In a statement Tuesday night, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said 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 investigation of alleged illegal activities and corrupt practices in the agency.

Data showed that PNP closed 20, 241 STL outlets, 190 STL Drawing Centers, 6, 313 Lotto, 2, 762 Peryahan ng Bayan and 778 Keno outlets. Ella Dionisio/DMS