PCSO reviewing Loterya application of 84 firms

MANILA, Philippines - At least 84 gaming corporations, including existing operators of the defunct Small Town Lottery (STL), have applied for the newly launched Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office ’s (PCSO) Loterya ng Bayan (PLB), PCSO chair Margie Juico said yesterday.

Juico said the applications are now undergoing review.

Among those who applied were 16 gaming corporations initially granted authority to operate STL prior to the launching of the PLB.

They have signified intention to convert their operations to PLB and comply with the mandatory requirements as provided for in the implementing rules and regulations.

PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II said the newly launched PLB is expected to generate charity funds for medical assistance for the poor and needy in various parts of the country.

STL operations were launched in Romblon, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Southern Leyte, Leyte province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz, Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay.

When the STL was launched in 2006, only 12 corporations were allowed to operate in Quezon, Angeles City, Bataan, Laguna, Bulacan Negros Oriental, Iloilo, Pampanga, Tarlac and Ilocos Norte.

In 2007, new permits were issued for STL operations in Albay, Olongapo City and Batangas. In 2008 operations were allowed in Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Cavite and Isabela.

However, instead of increasing, the STL operations resulted in a big drop in sales, from P8.4 billion in 2006 to P2.3 billion in 2008, then to P1.9 billion in 2009.

Under the PLB, the PCSO will create a committee that will review the applications to ensure that only corporations with no links to gambling lords will be given authority to operate.

Any attempt by the corporation to connive with gambling lords would be considered grounds for the immediate cancellation of permit to operate.