PCSO introduces new scratch cards

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office recently launched new products called “Instant Lotto Biglang Panalo’s Kascash Instant Lotto” scratch cards.

The new line of scratch cards would reportedly provide “more chances for Filipinos to win instant cash.” The scratch cards - “Diamond 75,” “Pinoy knock-out,” “Sargo karambola,” and the “Pera sa Baul”- were introduced to the Visayas last Friday and gained remarkable reception.

“We are selling very well and this means additional revenue to be added to our charity fund,” said PCSO Chairman Sergio Valencia.

He said they decided to introduce the new variant in the scratch card game because it is reportedly popular in the United States and Europe.

The “Diamond 75” card symbolizes PCSO’s 75th year while the “Pinoy knock-out card” represents the sport of boxing in which Filipinos excel. Meanwhile, the “Sargo karambola” card represents the Pool or Billiards game that Filipinos also excel in, while the “Pera sa baul” card represents the wooden case known locally as “baul” in which Filipinos traditionally place their valuables.

To win the prize, a player can use the four scratch cards using the same rule - that is, to scratch off the protective film on the card to reveal the object underneath assigned to a particular card.

For “Diamond 75,” the player needs to find a diamond symbol while the “Pinoy knock-out” card calls for a glove symbol. A player needs to find the number “8” to win using the “Sargo karambola” card while a symbol of a bundle of money is needed to win using the “Pera sa baul” card.

PCSO said a player has 9 chances of winning per ticket and can win up to P200,000.

Valencia said the project is expected to become a strong source of income for PCSO. PCSO is allotting 30 percent of their revenue for charity works for needy Filipinos.

Valencia said the new product is very timely, considering the additional funds are needed to respond to the “Ondoy” aftermath.

Valencia said PCSO has approved a calamity fund of P20 million for Ondoy victims and is set to approve another P20 million next week. He said the charity price of their other products like the “6/45 draw” will also be dedicated to typhoon victims.

“We just wish that we can work together to help sell these products because in effect, we are not just providing entertainment and hope to our people but also helping our fellow Filipinos who are our poor brothers and sisters needing attention, especially medical,” he added.

PCSO is also encouraging the public to become dealers of PCSO. A dealer can earn P200 for every booklet sold plus a chance to receive a seller’s commission of about 10 percent of the winning amount if the winning amount is above P10,000.

Winning tickets below P10,000 may be claimed at any authorized Kascash outlets or at the nearest PCSO office. Winning tickets above P10,000 may be claimed at the PCSO main office or nearest PCSO provincial district offices. — Jessica Ann A. Pareja/JMO