CDO rep urges PCSO head to resign for failing to protect minors from gambling

Melquiades Robles, the head of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), has been urged to resign by Representative Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan De Oro.

Rodriguez accuses Robles of neglecting to shield children from the harmful consequences of gambling via the e-lotto, or online lottery, project. Rodriguez said that the PCSO carried out the e-lotto test run despite the House committee passing a bill banning online lotteries.

A well-known lawmaker named Rodriguez emphasized that e-lottery puts minors at risk by increasing the accessibility of gambling via computers and mobile devices. Claiming that the release of e-lotto exposes kids to the “evils of gambling” and erodes their moral standards, he asked General Manager Robles to step down.

Representative Antonio Ferrer’s House committee, according to Rodriguez, approved House Bill No. 9283, which aims to outlaw “online placing of bets through mobile phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers, and other similar gadgets for all lotto games.” Along with Representatives Augustina Dominique Pancho and Gustavo Tambunting, Rodriguez co-wrote the legislation.

Additionally, Rodriguez criticized Robles for not getting President Marcos’ approval for the e-lottery, stating that the President would be against online lotteries due to the potential harm they may do to young Filipinos and children.

Rodriguez also called for legal action against the PCSO, claiming that it disregarded the recommendation given by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC).

The PCSO, meanwhile, said it will review its policies on the publication of lottery winners’ photos in the wake of backlash over altering a winner’s appearance in order to conceal her identity in a P43-million Lotto 6/42 draw. While apologizing and acknowledging his mistake, Robles defended the editing process, saying it was not their “forte.”

Original story by: Philippine Daily Inquirer