Less than a week after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered its suspension, lotto outlets around the country can once again operate, a high-ranking government official announced last night.
On Friday, Duterte ordered the suspension of gaming activities by the government-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for alleged “massive corruption.” This included lotto stores, small-town lottery (STL) kiosks, Peryahan ng Bayan carnivals, and Keno shops.
Duterte’s Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that after a probe, investigators have “found no anomalies in the conduct of its (lotto) operation, its sanctity remained untainted and proper regulatory rules [have been] followed,” reported ABS-CBN News.
The president changed his mind about suspending lotto operations upon the advice of Medialdea. The government’s order takes effect immediately.
However, the other games managed by the PCSO — STL, Keno, and Peryahan ng Bayan — will remain suspended indefinitely, reported The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said that these numbers games are still being investigated by the government, reported the Philippine Star.
In an official announcement, the PCSO announced that the daily lotto draws will resume. There will also be draws to replace those suspended from Saturday to yesterday to cater to players who bought tickets in advance. It has not announced, however, when these draws would happen.
A total of 21,000 lotto outlets were shut down due to Duterte’s order, which affected the livelihood of store owners and workers.
With the new announcement, Philippine National Police spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said that lotto operators can now remove the “closed” signs that cops posted on their outlets.
The PCSO finances the medical treatments of indigent patients in the country and assured patients following Duterte’s suspension that it would continue providing financial support despite the president’s decision.
Online, people expressed relief that lotto is back. Senator Risa Hontiveros, a vocal critic of the president, said somewhat sarcastically: “It’s good that President Duterte came to his senses.”
Some, however, were more openly critical of the government.
“What happened with your drama?” asked @MoxieLi of the government. “It’s only now that Malacañang’s staff was able to finish its research, huh?”
O anong nangyari sa drama niyo??
Ngayon lang natapos ang research ng Malacañang staff noh? Nadiskubre niyong puede kayong idemanda? This admin is the dumbest, I swear to God… #DuterteTanga
— MrsHan (@MoxieLi) July 30, 2019
“This government makes mistakes every day!” wrote @unlicomments.
Ito ang gobyernong araw-araw ay palpak!
Golpe-de-gulat…Threats. Pantakip sa mga kabalbalan at mga pangakong napako.— Charlie Mike (@unlicomments) July 30, 2019
What are your thoughts about lotto’s return? Tell us by leaving a comment below or tweeting to @CoconutsManila.
