PCSO asks to eradicate illegal gambling

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office asked the PNP to assume its responsibility and stop illegal gambling in the country.

Philippines.- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take responsibility and eradicate all forms of illegal gambling in order to protect the operation of the state Small Town Lottery (STL).

Alexander Balutan, general manager of the PCSO, said: “To the Philippine National Police [PNP], we agreed to be partners in the battle against all forms of illegal gambling. Let’s translate that Memorandum of Agreement we both signed last November 22, 2016 into a concrete action.” As Manila Times reported, the agreement establishes that the PNP agreed to come up with better alternatives to stop illegal gambling, and in return the PCSO would give the PNP 2.5 percent of its earnings.

“I am determined to wage war against gambling lords and their coddlers and I hope you’re with me,” said Balutan, who reiterated his disappointment with the PNP performance. According to the official, illegal numbers are still very high in some areas that compete with STL games, and he believes that some PNP officers are  still receiving money from gabling lords who operate the unauthorised games.