Raps filed vs Caloocan lotto outlet teller, operator

MANILA, Philippines — Charges have been filed against a lotto outlet teller and operator before the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court for allegedly using the establishment’s franchise as a front for an illegal numbers game.

The city prosecutor’s office charged the teller and lotto agent for violating Presidential Decree 1602, as amended by Republic Act 9287, the Illegal Numbers Games Law.

The case stemmed from a joint raid by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Nov. 4.

The teller, reportedly acting on orders of the lotto franchise operator, solicited illegal bets and issued counterfeit tickets while operating inside the accredited lotto booth in Camarin, Caloocan.

The teller is being held at the NBI detention facility. Police have launched a manhunt for the registered lotto agent.

PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles said the state charity agency would pursue criminal cases against lotto franchise holders engaged in illegal gambling.

Robles said illegal betting schemes take away government revenues intended for medical assistance and charity programs for indigent patients.

Lotto pot hits P511 million

Meanwhile, the jackpot in the Ultra Lotto 6/58 is estimated to reach P511 million for tonight’s draw.

No bettor won the six-digit combination 22-14-01-42-09-08, which had a total prize of P500,614,204.72 on Sunday. Sixty-two bettors won the second prize of P24,193.54 each.

Lottery prizes exceeding P10,000 are subject to a 20-percent tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.