Ban on other forms of gambling still in place, Panelo says
(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte has lifted the ban on lotto operations, the Palace said on Tuesday night.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the lifting of the suspension takes place “immediately” upon the advice of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
This was after Medialdea said probers found no anomalies in the conduct of lotto operations, and that rules were followed.
“Franchise holders and operators of lotto outlets may now resume with their operations,“ Panelo said.
The suspension on other forms of gambling within the mandate of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office-peryahan ng bayan, small-town lottery and keno—however, “shall remain suspended pending the investigation of illegal activities and corrupt practices related thereto until the Office of the President evaluates the results of said probe,” Panelo said.
President Duterte had ordered the termination of all forms of gambling within the PCSO mandate, including lotto, due to “massive corruption.”
He did not elaborate but said that courts were involved.
The Supreme Court as a result ordered all first-level and second-level courts to submit a report on the status of PCSO-related cases since January 2018.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has also ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a probe into the alleged corruption in the PCSO.