Manila cops decry selling tickets for PNP sweepstakes draw

Manila policemen yesterday voiced their opposition to the compulsory distribution of sweepstakes tickets for the special draw of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) exclusively for the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Police officials claim that the cost of the ticket is an additional drain on their meager take-home pay.

The proceeds of the special draw will, however, be used for the modernization of police stations and support units nationwide.

"Mabuti ang layunin, pero ang paraan ng pagpapatupad ay pahirap sa aming maliliit na pulis (The goal is noble, but the manner of meeting this goal is a burden to the lowly policemen)," said a veteran investigator who requested anonymity.

Some policemen who received one booklet each said the PCSO outlets should sell the tickets. They also claim that when the tickets were distributed to them, it was already considered "sold " so they were obliged to pay for it.

The June 25 draw is the first PCSO lottery with the PNP as target beneficiary. The project involves the participation of the families of all PNP personnel and cooperatives, and the support of the PNP’s accredited non-government organizations.

Each sweepstakes booklet with 50 tickets cost P500 and can be sold at P10 each. If the policemen sell the tickets, they stand to earn P140 per booklet as commission. Sellers of winning tickets will also be entitled to a commission equivalent to 10 percent of the prize money. The first five top sellers will be given recognition for supporting the PCSO-PNP project.

"We expect to fully sell all the tickets before the deadline on June 11. This is our way of helping with the aims and projects of the PNP leadership," said MPD’s Comptroller Section chief Superintendent Herminio Bucacao.