June 11, 2024 - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is refuting graft and plunder complaints filed against its officials concerning the e-lotto program. In a statement released Tuesday, PCSO General Manager Mel Robles emphasized that the Office of the President (OP) authorized the technical rules for their betting platforms, including e-lotto.
Robles responded to the accusations from the Filipinos for Peace, Justice, and Progress Movement, who filed the complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman. He pointed to a 2021 OP authorization granting the PCSO the power to evaluate and approve technical guidelines for online betting platforms used in their games.
"The guidance from the OP, as an executive act, remains valid unless amended, revoked, or replaced by the issuing authority," Robles asserted.
He further explained that the PCSO's legal counsel, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), reviewed and approved the e-lotto agreement signed with Pacific Online Systems Corporation (POSC) on August 30th, 2023. The OGCC clarified its stance on commission payments, stating they should be reasonable costs capped by the PCSO Board.
Robles framed the e-lotto initiative as a strategic decision by the Board to boost sales through online and digital betting platforms. He highlighted another board-approved measure: increasing the minimum guaranteed jackpot prize for lotto games, which reportedly led to a net revenue increase of PHP879 million.
The General Manager concluded by vowing to file counter-charges against those orchestrating a "clear smear campaign" against the PCSO and its officials. He stated their intention to "unmask" those behind the complaint and take legal action.
Robles noted that these issues were already addressed during previous congressional hearings.