Lotto winner? Here's what and what not to do, according to PCSO

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Tuesday shared some do’s and don’ts in claiming the jackpot prize.

Interviewed on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Hirit, PCSO senior marketing specialist Romi Sison said jackpot winners should go to the PCSO main office in Mandaluyong with the winning ticket and two valid IDs to claim the prize.

If the winning ticket is lost, Sison said the prize cannot be claimed.

The validity of a winning ticket only lasts up to one year, according to Sison.

She reminded bettors to keep tickets pristine as winning tickets should pass a validating machine. If the ticket got wet, crumpled, or defaced, the machine will not be able to read the number combination and serial number, and thus the winner will not be able to claim the prize.

Sison also advised bettors should immediately sign their ticket upon purchase. Only the person who signed the winning ticket can claim the prize.

In case the winner is unable to claim the prize due to health reasons, his or her representative should present a special power of attorney to claim the prize.

Asked if the PCSO assists winners in terms of financial management, Sison said winners undergo orientation on best options in handling their money right after claiming the prize.

“Kapag nag-claim po sila ng premyo, pinagsasabihan po sila kung ano po kung saan magandang dalhin ang pera, kung ano po ang dapat gawin,” she said.

(When they claim the prize, they will be advised where to invest their money and what to do with it.) --KBK, GMA Integrated News