Rumors of war boost lotto sales; jackpot may hit P

Perchance to live like a king, before war turns you into a pauper?

Rumors of an impending world war have sent many Filipinos seeking strength in churches — and refuge in lotto outlets.

"Sana manalo na ako bago magkagiyera (I hope I win before war breaks out)," houseboy Mario Lundo told The STAR as he lined up in a lotto outlet in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

He said if he hits tonight’s P100-million jackpot of the Superlotto 6/49 game, he will immediately return to his hometown in Mindanao and stock up on foodstuff to last a very long time.

In other parts of Metro Manila, long lines have formed in front of lotto outlets, with most of those in the queue echoing Lundo’s sentiments.

A random survey conducted for this report showed that lotto outlets have been swamped by hopefuls since terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. last Tuesday.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) officials, however, downplayed the war factor as the reason for the brisk sales at lotto outlets nationwide.

Conrado Zabella, PCSO assistant general manager for on-line lotto sector, said lotto sales are usually brisk when the jackpot is high. The Superlotto jackpot, which gives hopefuls a one in 13 million chance of winning, has been elusive and today’s stakes have hit the P100-million mark.

"The higher the jackpot, the longer the queue," noted Zabella.

Still, critics view the lotto fever as a sign of the "deteriorating" morals of the people.

Lawyer Ernesto Mendiola, a devout Catholic, said the desire of many to hit the jackpot as a consolation to a possible war is a sign of the "materialism" of the people.

"So what if you hit the jackpot? You cannot bring the money with you when you die," he said.

Mendiola said that amid fears of war and global destruction, people should instead reinforce their faith and break away from materialism.

He viewed the ongoing global crisis as a reminder to the people of their mortality.

"We must not be afraid of the rumors of war. If we have faith in God, then we can survive any war that will come," Mendiola said.