Amid the controversy surrounding the “edited” photo of a winning Lotto bettor that has raised doubts on social media, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has a challenge to senators: why don’t they watch the nightly Lotto draws in person?
PCSO General Manager Mel Robles made the statement Monday, January 22, after he was questioned by several senators on the issue of the “authenticity” of the recent jackpot wins at the PCSO lotto draws.
In a statement, Robles said they are confident that their lottery processes were beyond reproach, and the best way to erase any doubts about the integrity of results is for the senators to “see for themselves” how the draws are being conducted.
“The PCSO for the past 89 years has kept its integrity beyond question. And we are committed to following that unsullied reputation. That's why we are inviting our honorable senators for them see how the actual processes work,” he added.
Currently, the “pre-draw procedures” such as inspecting the lotto balls and the machines used for the draw are shown in a pre-recorded segment prior to the actual games, which are aired live over People’s Television (PTV).
Going one step farther, Robles even asked the senators to conduct an unannounced inspection to remove any doubt about the integrity of the lottery operations.
“In the event that you choose to send a representative, we simply ask for official written authorization for him or her,” he added.
The issue of the allegedly “edited” photo of a winning Lotto bettor has drawn flak in social media and raised doubts on whether the recent series of jackpot wins at the PCSO Lotto draws were authentic.
During the Senate hearing last January 18, Robles confirmed that the viral photo was indeed “edited,” adding that it was done to ensure confidentiality and the safety of winning bettors.
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