Cebu bettor wins P230 million

CEBU, Philippines — A bettor from Cebu won over P230 million in the Grand Lotto 6/55 draw last Monday.

This marked the first 6/55 win of the year and the next biggest jackpot prize bagged after the P1 billion Ultra Lotto 6/58 was brought home by two bettors last October 2018.

Glenn Jesus Prada, Cebu branch head of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the winning ticket was purchased from a Lucky Circle Corp. outlet in SM City Cebu. It had the number combination 17-07-38-08-05-10 and amounted to a total jackpot of P239,204,944.00.

The name of the winner is undisclosed for security reasons.

Under PCSO policy, jackpot prizes over P300,000 must be claimed at the main office, located in Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila.

Prada said that to be able to claim their prize, winners must present two valid IDs with the signature matching that of the signature at the back of the winning ticket.

The jackpot winner has one year to claim the prize and since tickets are made out of thermal paper, validity will be acknowledged as long as the signature is clear.

Giving a piece of advice to the new winner, Prada said, "He has to manage it well… many of our jackpot winners went back to their old lives. A portion should be invested in the bank, but leave something for enjoyment."

Along with the 6/55 win, the January 21 draws also yielded 628 winners of EZ2, 897 from Suertres Lotto, and 19 in 4Digit.

Grand Lotto 6/55 is one of five six-pick number games organized by PCSO, the principal government agency for raising funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, as well as charities of national character.  — Christele Isabela B. Basco, USC Intern, JMO (FREEMAN)