PCSO loses P13 billion due to COVID-19 —Garma

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has lost around P13 billion in earnings amid the implementation of the community quarantine due to COVID-19.

"Medyo malaki, ang estimate po namin is P32 billion per quarter, so most likely mga P13 billion ang nawala po na maaaring kinita ng aming ahensiya mula noong nag-lockdown," PCSO general manager Royina Garma said at the Laging Handa press briefing on Saturday.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, the gaming operation of PCSO has been suspended since March.

Garma said they have already written to the Office of the President regarding the resumption of their lotto outlet operations.

"Doon po sa pagre-resume ng operations namin, kami po ay sumulat na po sa office ng ating Presidente. Hinihintay na lang po namin 'yung approval," she said.

The PCSO will implement health protocols, including requiring the gaming public to wear face masks, as well as social distancing.

It will also require betting booths to have a screen or protection between agents and bettors.

Garma said the agency has also proposed a digital system for betting. 

"Ine-encourage na po namin. Nasa Implementing Rules and Regulations namin, hindi lang sa lotto, but also sa STL na laro," she said.

"Kasama rin po sa aming proposal ang paggamit na po ng mobile application at pag-allow na gumamit ng automated betting machine kung saan hindi lang po kailangan ng face-to-face betting," Garma added.

The PCSO official also announced that as soon as they resume operations, the agency will conduct a special draw for bettors who purchased their tickets before the community quarantine.

Garma also said recently that the price of lotto tickets will go down from P24 to P20 once the gaming operation resumes. —KG, GMA News