Caskets given away as raffle prizes in Christmas party

Would you accept it if you won a casket as a raffle prize at a Christmas party?

This has been the tradition of the Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA), a non-profit organization consisting of funeral owners and professionals.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, the unusual raffle prize got the attention of Christmas party host Tita Kei, who posted about it on social media.

"Naiilang ako, normal kasi pa-raffle talaga is appliances tapos dun ataul. Sabi ko na lang, 'Ilabas ang casket, bigyan ng casket 'yan,'" she said.

("I felt awkward, normally raffle prizes are appliances but they offered caskets. I just said, 'Get the casket out, give them a casket.'")

PMA president Ferdinand Matthew Reyes said the tradition was started by several funeral owners. They give around six to seven caskets a year.

But what do the winners do with the casket? Mhay Resma, who once won it in a raffle, said she left the casket in the care of the company. 

"Hindi ko naman puwedeng iuwi po sa amin, sa company muna po," she said. "Halimbawa meron pong nangailangan, ido-donate po ng company."

("I cannot take it home, so I left it in the company. For example, when someone needs it, it will be donated.")

—MGP, GMA Integrated News