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Advocates Philippines
Senators Slam PCSO For E-Lotto Controversies
Photo credit: Senate of the Philippines
In a fiery session on Thursday, January 18, 2024, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Subcommittee on Senate Bill No. 2374, strongly criticized the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for evading its responsibilities and providing excuses to avoid shedding light on the controversies surrounding its shift to e-Lotto.
During the hearing, Tulfo expressed frustration, stating, "Our call [to PCSO] fell on deaf ears… This has to end right here, right now. PCSO has to defend its stand, not to run and hide. When you are asked to attend hearings, you have to make time to attend the hearings… Are you hiding something from the Filipino people?"
Tulfo emphasized the subcommittee's continuous efforts to invite PCSO officials to address concerns, urging transparency and accountability in their actions.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III took a different approach, directing his concerns towards the well-being of lotto agents.
Pimentel urged PCSO to be more considerate and implement an effective reportorial system to monitor issues faced by lotto outlets nationwide.
Speaking at the Committee on Ways and Means public hearing on Senate Bill No. 2374, which aims to ban online betting for all lotto games and instant paper games, Pimentel emphasized the need for PCSO to treat lotto agents like family.
He pointed out issues such as wrong printing and damaged tickets, urging PCSO not to let the agents suffer due to the lack of a robust reporting system.
During the hearing, Tulfo expressed frustration, stating, "Our call [to PCSO] fell on deaf ears… This has to end right here, right now. PCSO has to defend its stand, not to run and hide. When you are asked to attend hearings, you have to make time to attend the hearings… Are you hiding something from the Filipino people?"
Tulfo emphasized the subcommittee's continuous efforts to invite PCSO officials to address concerns, urging transparency and accountability in their actions.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III took a different approach, directing his concerns towards the well-being of lotto agents.
Pimentel urged PCSO to be more considerate and implement an effective reportorial system to monitor issues faced by lotto outlets nationwide.
Speaking at the Committee on Ways and Means public hearing on Senate Bill No. 2374, which aims to ban online betting for all lotto games and instant paper games, Pimentel emphasized the need for PCSO to treat lotto agents like family.
He pointed out issues such as wrong printing and damaged tickets, urging PCSO not to let the agents suffer due to the lack of a robust reporting system.
Jan 18, 2024
