PCSO: Committed to transparency, accountability and ethical standards

We are writing in response to your Feb. 11, 2024 editorial “Gaming the game of chance,” which tackles the state-run lottery operations by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Please be assured that the PCSO upholds the highest ethical standards in all its operations and recognizes the importance of maintaining transparency, in as much as we value the continued trust and support of the public for the past 89 years.

As such, we understand the necessity of increasing transparency and accountability at PCSO.

Proposals to conduct live draw, publish detailed lottery statistics, and balance winner confidentiality with transparency are valid and should be considered.

However, while we commit to full transparency, we also give utmost priority to the safety and well-being of all lottery winners.

Maintaining anonymity ensures winners can better enjoy their newfound fortune without potential threats or unwarranted attention.

In this regard, we want to clarify some misconceptions on the controversial photo that generated various unfounded allegations against the agency.

Please be informed that the winner did not participate in an online betting system.

Instead, the winner who hit the 6/42 jackpot price on Dec. 28, 2023, winning P43,882,361.60, placed the bet in a traditional lotto outlet in Bulacan.

As for the 6/55 GrandLotto sequence drawn on Oct. 1, 2023, we must stress that lotteries are games of chance.

Each draw is an isolated, random event, ensuring no predictability and absolute fairness.

Additionally, our “Handog Pakabog” event on Dec. 16, 2023, which boosted GrandLotto 6/55 and UltraLotto 6/58 jackpots, fully complies with all applicable policies and guidelines.

This strategy is designed to excite players, acknowledge patrons, and enhance sales.

By the way, we would like to report that last year, the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) named the PCSO one of the most improved and best-performing goverment-owned and -controlled corporations.

GCG recognized the PCSO’s remarkable accomplishments, outstanding disclosure practices, and high-performance ratings.

The agency’s 92.03 percent in 2022 is a massive leap of 35.73 percent compared to its 2021 score of 56.30 percent.

Finally, it cannot be overstated how crucial PCSO is in generating funds for charitable and social welfare services in the country.

As the government’s main charity arm, we are mandated to provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and extending immediate help and assistance even to disaster victims.

Thank you very much and we wish to reiterate that sustaining public’s faith and confidence in the integrity of our operations is our paramount consideration, and we are committed to meeting this expectation.

Arnel N. Casas,

assistant general manager; gaming, product development and marketing sector,

PCSO