MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday assured it will continue to abide by the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend all its gaming activities nationwide, until further notice.
In a statement, the PCSO said it will comply with the president’s directive in support of his efforts to curb corruption in the government and stop illegal gambling operations in the country.
“The PCSO supports the decision of our dear President in eradicating corruption and illegal gambling activities. The Agency programs, projects and activities are aligned to the objective and goal of our national government,” the PCSO said in a Facebook post.
The agency issued the statement after Malacañang said the closure on all PCSO gaming schemes will stay until the government concludes its investigation into the alleged corruption within the state gaming regulator.
The Palace also earlier said that the president will identify in due time the ‘culprits’ in the “hydra-headed corruption” in all gaming activities.
Over 21,000 lotto outlets and other PCSO gaming kiosks nationwide have been reportedly closed after Duterte on Friday (July 26) declared these as illegal.
The PCSO said that following the chief executive’s suspension order, it immediately disabled last Saturday, July 27, 2019 all Lotto and KENO terminals at the Main Data Center of its system providers.
The agency, however, assured that holders of winning lotto and KENO tickets can still claim their prizes at its head office beginning Monday.
“For those who are holding winning lotto and KENO tickets, prizes can still be claimed at the PCSO Head office, Conservatory Building, Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday,” it said.
The agency also assured that its Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP) services at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City and all PCSO Branch Offices nationwide will “still be available today onwards, unless otherwise instructed.”
The PCSO is the main government agency tasked to raise and provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services and charities of national character.
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