Lotto ready to roll

Regarding the resumption of lotto operations, we have written the Office of the President, we are waiting for his approval

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has endorsed to President Rodrigo Duterte the reopening of lotto games.

PCSO general manager Royina Garma said during Laging Handa public briefing yesterday that PCSO has already sent a letter to the Office of the President requesting that it allows the reopening of lotto.

“Regarding the resumption of lotto operations, we have written the Office of the President, e are waiting for his approval,” she added.

PCSO has lost 13 billion since the enhanced community quarantine was imposed last March.

Garma said the agency is now finalizing the minimum health standards the agency will implement once the President grants PCSO's request.

Safety requirements bared

Among the procedures to be implemented, she said, is requiring the use of face masks both for bettors and lotto agents and the practice of social distancing.

She said the agency is also eyeing the placing of barriers between agents and bettors to avoid close contact.

To limit face to face transaction, the agency is also planning to shift to digital specifically the use of mobile applications and automated betting machines, according to Garma.

She said the minimum health standard as well as the use of mobile applications is subject for approval of the PCSO board.

P13B lost from lockdowns

Garma said PCSO has lost P13 billion since the enhanced community quarantine was imposed last March.

Despite this, she said PCSO continues to assist the public now that the country is facing a crisis.

In fact, she said the agency has already given P27 billion worth of assistance to those affected by COVID-19.

“Since the start of the outbreak until the imposition of a lockdown, we continue to provide help through PCSO's medical access program,” he said.