P13 billion revenue lost due to pandemic — PCSO exec

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has lost an estimated P13 billion in revenue following the suspension of its gaming operations due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Our agency lost around P13 billion of possible revenue since the lockdown,” PCSO general manager Royina Marzan Garma said in Filipino during the Laging Handa briefing yesterday.

She said they have written to President Duterte to seek his approval for the resumption of gaming operations, particularly the lotto draws that have been suspended since community quarantine measures were put in place in March.

Garma said the PCSO board is set to approve next week the minimum health standards that would be implemented if Duterte approves the resumption of lotto draws and other gaming operations.

The standards, she added, are aligned with those issued by the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), such as the mandatory use of masks and barriers to protect bettors and their agents.

Aside from this, Garma revealed the PCSO is also considering the use of new technology such as mobile applications and automated betting machines in line with the so-called new normal due to the pandemic.

“But this is still subject for board approval… It will take time, around two to three months,” she noted.

According to Garma, they have distributed financial assistance of P3,000 to all of their lotto and keno agents who have been affected by the game suspension.

The agency has also continued with its various programs, such as medical assistance to indigent patients and the distribution of equipment to various hospitals responding to the pandemic.