PCSO to give lotto winners' names in Senate executive session if subpoenaed

Tthe Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said it will submit the names of lotto winners in a Senate executive session if subpoenaed after an edited photo of a Lotto 6/42 jackpot winner went viral.

During a Senate inquiry on Thursday, PCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles confirmed the photo was edited to protect the bettor’s identity and privacy.

The said photo from the PCSO shows the winner from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan who claimed the Lotto 6/42 jackpot worth P43,882,361.60 at the PCSO Main Office on December 28, 2023.

“Sa executive session, I need to know kung sino yang nanalo kasi nga meron mga balita na katropa nyo ang nanalo,” Senator Raffy Tulfo said to Robles in a “24 Oras” report. 

(I need to know the winners during the executive session because there were reports that your ‘friends’ won the lotto.)

“So kailangan ko ang pangalan identity nung nanalo…Kung kinakailangan ko mag-hire ng private detective. Kapag na-trace na lumitaw na hindi talaga connected sa inyo e ‘di sasabihin ko rin dito,” said Tulfo. 

(I need the identities. We will trace if they were connected with you. I’ll do that even if we need to hire a private detective.)

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel suggested to limit the members that would  join the executive session.

Meanwhile, the PCSO announced another lucky bettor won the jackpot worth P690 million at the Grand Lotto 6/55.

“Lahat po ay on record yan at kung isu-subpoena nyo po we can provide the names,” said Robles.

(Everything is on record. If there is a subpoena we can provide the names.)

Tulfo presided over the panel hearing in a bid to prohibit the online placing of bets for all lotto games.

The senator said that Senate Bill No. 2374 filed in August 2023 aims to "safeguard public welfare, protect vulnerable individuals, and encourage responsible gambling practices, thereby contributing to a safer and more regulated landscape in the nation." —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News