Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO): What You Need to Know

When it comes to social work, development programs and services, we know that there’s the DSWD. But when it comes to raising government funds and charity work, one agency that stands out is the PCSO orPhilippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. However, just how much do we know about the PCSO? What are its functions, and how does it work? We know that it has a lot of programs and services that contribute to the development of our country. But do we really know what those are?

To many Filipinos, the PCSO is a place where they can get help when needed. They know that the PCSO is a government agency that provides funding for medical help and charity services. But what many people don’t know about this agency is that there’s more to it than meets the eye. Find out more about this government agency dedicated to helping Filipinos in need.

What is the Meaning and Purpose of PCSO?

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is a government agency that collects and distributes funds for various national and health projects and programs.

The PCSO is focused on generating recurring and permanent income through its various operations, such as charitable sweepstakes and races. It also invests in projects and activities that are related to the welfare and health of its members. It additionally endeavors to improve its fund-management capabilities.

The PCSO’s main products are lottery and sweepstakes games. These have been developed over time to adapt to the changing economic and social conditions. They are also aimed at attracting new customers and keeping a diverse selection of products on the market. There are various game types that have been developed, such as scratch-and-match, small town lottery, and traditional. New game innovations are also being developed.

The PCSO has various game types, such as the Lotto 6/42, Mega Lotto 6/45, Super Lotto 6/49, and Grand Lotto 6/55. These games can be played with various system play options, such as the 5 Roll, Lucky Pick, and System 7. The Lotto 6/42 has a starting jackpot of ₱6 million.

The Mega Lotto 6/45 drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Super Lotto 6/49 draws are held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The grand prize of the first drawing is ₱16 million. The Grand Lotto 6/55 draws are held on Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

The History of the PCSO

THE BEGINNING OF LOTTERIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

According to records, the Philippines has had a lottery system since 1833. The Spanish government operated a variety of games that private companies operated. One of these was the Empresa de Reales Loterias de Filipinas. In 1892, Dr Jose Rizal, our national hero, won a lottery prize of over 6,000 dollars. He then gave the money to an educational institution. This selfless act shows what can be accomplished through the use of the lottery for social welfare and philanthropic purposes.

Following the Philippine Revolution in the early 1900s, the Loteria was forced to cease its operations. In 1932, the government established a Sweepstakes draw to raise funds for the PAAF, a sports organization for Filipinos.

Following the success of the PAAF draw, the government decided to conduct additional drawings for the tuberculosis society. These were conducted through the National Charity Sweepstakes.

NEW SWEEPSTAKES AGENCIES

Instead of restricting the entries to children, the legislators decided to establish the sweepstakes as a new source of funds for the general welfare and public health.

In March 1935, President Manuel Quezon signed Act 4130, which established the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes. This new law allowed the organization to secure a loan of up to ₱250,000.00 from the National Treasury. This was the minimum amount that the new organization had to spend on printing the entries and the office.

The agency hosted its first Sweepstakes on September 8, 1935. After the loan was paid off, the proceeds from the sales of the entries started to flow in. The objective of the Sweepstakes was to provide humanitarian assistance to the needy, and the people of the Philippines supported it.

During this period, various organizations and groups were able to benefit from the Sweepstakes. Some of these include the PAAF, the Philippine Tuberculosis Association, the Philippine Women’s Clubs, the Gota de Leches, and the Boy Scouts of America. Other humanitarian and charitable organizations included the Child Welfare Center and the Asilo Para Invalides.

In 1954, Republic Act 1169 was enacted, which mandating the establishment of monthly charity sweepstakes and regular lottery games.

Since then, the PCSO has been a vital part of the government’s charitable efforts. It is frequently called upon to provide financial assistance to various projects and organizations in the country.

BIGGER SHARE FOR CHARITY

In 1979, a law known as Batas Pambansa Blg.42 was enacted, which increased the portion of the agency’s net sales that it distributes to its charitable fund. This new law allows the PCSO to allocate a total of 30% of the proceeds to its charitable fund. Aside from the 30% share of the net proceeds, the charity fund also receives all unclaimed prizes.

The number of draws has also increased. During that period, the agency conducted several draws each week. These include the 20 million Freedom draw every February 25, the 5 million Christmas draw every December, and the 25 million Christmas draw every year. Despite the increase in the number of entries, the revenue generated by the sales of tickets has not kept up with the increasing number of requests for financial assistance.

During the time of Fidel Ramos’ presidency, the PCSO was asked to help the government’s reconstruction efforts following the eruption of Mount Pinatubog.

In 1992, President Ramos issued a proclamation asking the commercial and public sectors to support the PCSO’s special Pinatubo lottery draw, which would help raise funds for the victims of the eruption. The first of the multiple draws that the agency would conduct to raise funds for the disaster relief fund was conducted on October 22, 1992.

The agency also conducted the first of its multiple draws to support the livelihood program of the local government of the Philippines’s northern region on February 14, 1993. This project provides the people of the region with the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurship skills.

According to its charter, the PCSO’s primary mission is to provide financial assistance to various national charities and health initiatives. It also aims to establish cancer and pain centers, dialysis centers, and Tuberculosis Centers, which are designed to provide effective and efficient medical services to the people. Through these projects, the agency is able to set the pace for the growth of the community health care industry.

NEW LOTTERIES

The agency’s modified charter allows it to hold and conduct various events and draws to raise money. In the Philippines, the lottery is a program that allows people to win by chance. It is commonly conducted through the purchase of tickets and the payment of a certain amount of money.

For over half a century, the PCSO has been relying on the traditional sweepstakes as its primary source of funding. It was time for the agency to explore new ways to raise money.

The agency also needs additional funding sources to meet its financial obligations to its various beneficiaries.

The agency’s first innovation was the creation of the Instant Sweepstakes, which was modeled after a similar game that was conducted in the US. By the end of the year, the program had already contributed over 27 million to the PCSO Charity Fund.

In addition, the agency experimented with a new type of lottery known as the Small Town Lottery, which was designed to provide additional revenue for the local government. It was aimed at preventing illegal number games from being conducted in the country.

THE LOTTO

During the time of Manuel L. Morato’s chairmanship, the agency established the country’s first Internet-based lottery. This new type of game provided the public with an exciting and fun way to gamble. It was known as the Lotto 6/42. The player chooses the six numbers from 1 to 42 and wins if they are chosen in any order on a given draw date.

Despite the various oppositions, the popularity of the new lottery continued to grow. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled that the game was legal. Since then, various game formats have been introduced. Some of these include the Mega Lotto 6/45, the three-digit 3D, and the six-digit 6D.

ENHANCEMENTS TO THE SWEEPSTAKES

Despite the success of the new lottery, the agency decided to make the traditional sweepstakes more competitive by implementing various technological changes. One of these is the automated ticket sales process. This has allowed the agency to improve the game’s administration and ensure that the tickets are sold properly. In addition, the computerization has also improved the product’s reputation.

In March 1998, the agency introduced the Bleed Panalo Bonus Sweepstakes, a combination of the Instant Win and Sweepstakes games. It allows players to win twice by purchasing a share of ₱10.00 each. The game has already generated over 3 million in prizes.

The agency is expected to receive a significant increase in its revenue due to the various game innovations. These changes will allow it to support its growing number of charitable initiatives and beneficiaries.

Functions and Responsibilities of PCSO

The PCSO is a government-controlled corporation responsible for conducting various charity activities in the Philippines. It’s mandated to provide funds for various national character-related programs and services. The proceeds from these activities are used to improve the country’s social welfare.

Legal Basis

The PCSO is a government agency that oversees the operations of both the national and local charity sweepstakes and lotteries. It was established in 1934 by Republic Act No. 301 after the National Charity Sweepstakes was dissolved. The agency mainly relied on traditional sweepstake games during its first few years.

The agency organizes and provides funds for various national causes, such as medical services and charitable organizations. The money collected through its fundraisers goes into the President’s social fund. The PCSO also continuously improves its operations and processes related to the operation of online and local charity sweepstakes.

PCSO Earnings

Today, the PCSO generates revenue from a variety of sources, including sweepstakes, the national lottery, municipal lotteries, and horse racing betting. The revenue is split into three distinct funds and sent to the relevant accounts.

Prize Fund – The prize fund receives 55% of its revenue. The PCSO uses the prize fund to distribute income from lottery tickets and horse races. After one year, unclaimed prize funds are donated to charity.

Fund for Charity – A fund for charity is a bank account used to fund and assist health-related projects. It also contributes to the funding of medical services and national organizations.

Operating Expenses and Maintenance Charges Fund – The operating expenses and maintenance charges fund accounts for around 15% of total income generated.

Which Lottery Games Are Regulated by the PCSO?

The PCSO is in charge of both national and municipal lotteries. The national lottery provides a variety of game options, including Ultra Lotto, Grand Lotto, 6-Digit Game, 4-Digit Game, EZ 2 Lotto, and others. The following is an overview of some of the lottery games in which Filipinos can legally participate.

The most popular lottery game PCSO offers is Ultra-Lotto, which has a minimum jackpot value of 50 million pesos (PHP). Players must match all six numbers to win the jackpot, but prizes are paid for matching three, four, or five numbers.

The 6-Digit Game is a pari-mutual game in which the jackpot is distributed evenly among all winners if there are many. The prize pool will be carried over to the next drawing if no one wins the first reward.

EZ 2 Lotto is a daily number game presented as a Luzon-only offering. Players choose two numbers that must match exactly for that particular draw. The payment for matching the winning numbers in exact order is $4,000 in EZ 2 Lotto, a game with a set prize. (PHP).

PCSO National Lottery Online

The PCSO held the Philippines’ first online lottery in 1995. The online interaction provided the players with a sense of enjoyment and passion. Since then, numerous games have been added to the lottery to enhance the players’ experience. Players can check their winning numbers by visiting the PCSO website or viewing the PCSO lottery draw on Peoples Television Network (PTV). According to Philippine gambling laws, anyone above 18 can participate in the national lottery.

Lotteries in Small Towns

The PCSO established and expanded the Small-Town Lottery (STL) into a total of 56 locales in 2017, up from 18 previously. The PCSO believes that expanding the SML will help to suppress illegal gaming operations, as outlined in Republic Act 9287, by making legal games available in previously inaccessible locales. SMLs aid local governments and the Philippine National Police (PNP) financially because the PCSO donates a portion of ticket revenues to these organizations.

Enhancements to Sweepstakes

To improve the sweepstakes, the PCSO intends to make it more competitive. They recently implemented a computerized point-of-sale system that allows participants to purchase tickets for the specific games they choose to participate in. The PCSO’s image and credibility with players have improved due to the automated computer system and revised ticket designs. Several lottery games have been created over the years to increase attraction among Filipino players. To make the game more appealing to the general public, the sweepstakes game “Doble Panalo” was added in 1998. The PCSO anticipates that the sweepstakes and game modifications will result in higher revenue.

Volunteer Opportunities

One of the most beneficial philanthropic services provided by the PCSO to a huge number of Filipinos is free health and dental treatment. The PCSO has performed over 25 outreach trips since its establishment, during which over 117k people have gotten free medical treatment and over 28k people have received free dental services. The PCSO also has an Out-Patient Clinic that provides free consultations, minor surgeries, and emergency care. Previously, the PCSO provided financial assistance to people affected by natural disasters such as volcano eruptions, fires, and flooding.

List of Programs and Services of PCSO

Here is a list of the various charitable programs and services provided by the PCSO:

CAD Programs and Services

Medical Access Program (MAP) – The goal of this program is to provide financial assistance to male and female patients with health-related problems. It is carried out through a combination of private and public sectors. These include hospitals, health facilities, and medicine retailers.

Institutional Partnership Program (IPP) – Through the Institutional Partnership Program, the government provides financial grants to various charitable organizations and medical facilities to extend the services of the state to the needy. This program also helps address the health and welfare needs of the communities.

Medical Transport Vehicle (MTV) Donation Program – The provision of medical transport services to the local government units is a vital component of their operations. It involves the transportation of patients to and from various areas of the country where they need to be treated. This includes the areas where there are conflict-stricken communities, vulnerable communities, and isolated and disadvantaged regions.

Integrated Health for Overall Productivity and Empowerment (i-HOPE) – The agency’s charity programs and services aim to provide access to the poorest regions in the country through the provision of various services and programs. These include the purchase of medical equipment and the construction of health facilities.

Calamity Assistance Program – The concept of the calamity assistance program is to provide financial and other support to families and individuals who have been affected by disasters or calamities. It is carried out through the local government units and their designated agencies. These agencies and entities are also responsible for addressing the needs of the communities.

Medicine Donation Program – The provision of medicines and supplies through the medicine donation program is carried out to enhance the resources of non-government and government-run health facilities and agencies. It enables them to provide effective and efficient services.

MSD Programs and Services

Out Patient Services Program – One of the programs that the local government units and their designated agencies are implementing is the outpatient services program of the MDD. This includes dental and general medicine consultations, minor surgical procedures, and medicines.

Medical and Dental Mission – This program also involves providing free health care services to the people in depressed communities and areas that are affected by natural disasters. In these areas, the local government can provide medicines to those who have no access to health services.

Medicine Donation Program (in Kind) – This program provides short-term financial assistance to individuals and organizations who are in need of basic medicines. It is carried out through the donations of medicines and supplies that are provided by the government and non-government organizations. The objective of this program is to provide qualified private and public health facilities with the necessary resources to provide effective and efficient services.

E-Services

Health Care Facility Assistance Validation – This Online Assistance Validation Facility offers a quick and easy way to validate whether or not a health care facility is entitled to an assistance from the government. It also serves as a verification tool for government agencies and individuals who need to confirm that their medical expenses were indeed incurred during treatment.

NCR Online Application for Medical Assistance – This program’s online application is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals and families who have incurred costly medical expenses. It can be accessed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

List of hospitals accepting PCSO Guarantee Letter – A directory of hospitals and medical clinics that accept the PCSO Guarantee Letter as proof of financial assistance is available on the agency’s website. Please be advised that this list contains only those institutions that have already been verified by the PCSO, and it will be updated regularly.

PCSO Gift Check Validation – The PCSO Gift Check is a monetary assistance program that provides financial aid to those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Because of this, the agency has developed an online system to verify its validity on a real-time basis.

Print Guarantee Letter or Claim Slip – Copies of the PCSO’s Gift Check and Claim Slip are available online. You can print a copy of these documents at no cost to you, and you may need to present them when visiting a hospital or medical clinic.

Video: How to Apply PCSO Lotto Outlet in the Philippines

If you’re an OFW or looking to open a PCSO lotto outlet in your area, this video will be helpful. The video shows you how to apply for a PCSO lotto outlet in the Philippines, as well as the requirements needed and other important information. You can also visit the PCSO’s website for more details about the PCSO Lotto Outlet Online Application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about the PCSO and its services and programs? Check out the frequently asked questions and learn everything you need to know about this government agency.

1. How to Claim Sweepstakes Prize?

Winning a sweepstakes prize can be an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for how to claim your winnings.

First, you’ll want to ensure that you bring two valid IDs. You’ll also want to bring your winning ticket or tickets with you—and keep them safe!

Once you’re there, head to the PCSO Main Office 2nd Floor and present your winning ticket/s at the Prize Fund Division, Accounting and Budget Department.

Affix your signature at the back of the winning ticket/s to establish your absolute ownership, then fill out the claim form on-site and head over to the Treasury Department.

Present your authenticated winning ticket/s and approved claim form for immediate preparation of your check.

You’ll have to have it signed by both the Chairman / General Manager before receiving your check from the Treasury Department.

NOTE: Prizes over 10,000 pesos are subject to 20% tax pursuant (to TRAIN Law).

2. How to Claim Lotto Prize?

If you have won a prize, you can claim it at any authorized Lotto outlet or at the PCSO Branch Offices in your area.

If you are claiming a prize that is worth 20.00 up to 10,000.00, you should write your name and affix your signature on the back of your winning ticket before claiming it.

For prizes from 10,001.00 and up to 300,000.00, you should claim them at PCSO Branch Offices in your area or at the PCSO Main Office 2nd Floor.

Prizes from 300,001.00 and up to JACKPOT PRIZE should be validated and claimed at the PCSO Main Office 2nd Floor for system prize payout (see Prize Pay-Out Chart).

3. How to Apply as an Online Lottery Agent?

To submit your application, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Complete the application form (available on the PCSO website) and attach all required documents. These include a sketch of your proposed outlet site showing the exact name and number of streets and a picture of your proposed outlet site, including its surrounding vicinity.

2. Send your application to ncr@pcso.gov.ph for National Capital Region applicants within Metro Manila, stbr@pcso.gov.ph for Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region (STBR), ncl@pcso.gov.ph for Northern and Central Luzon Department, visayas@pcso.gov.ph for Visayas Department, or mindanao@pcso.gov.ph for Mindanao Department; or submit it at our branch office covering your proposed outlet location if you’re outside Metro Manila!

4. On-Line Lottery Agents’ Application Requirements?

Requirements for Individual Applicant:

The applicant must be a Filipino citizen and at least 18 years old.

Applicants must also provide two valid identifcation cards, with at least one government-issued lD;

National lD; Postal lD; Driver’s License; Passport (valid); UMID ID; Tax ldentification Number (TlN); NBI Clearance (valid).

Two passport-size ID pictures are required as well.

If you are applying for a residential building or if you or your immediate family owns it: You must provide a barangay certification showing that you reside in the proposed site.

If you are applying for a commercial establishment or if your immediate family owns it, you must provide a business permit issued by the city or provincial government.

If the location of your proposed Lotto outlet is leased property: You must provide a duly notarized letter of agreement between the owner of the establishment and yourself showing that this location will be leased to you for use as a Lotto outlet; OR If currently leased, you must provide a duly notarized contract of lease.

Requirements for Corporation / Partnership Applicant:

*Must be Filipino Citizen; AND

*Must be duly registered and existing under Philippine laws.

*Must be fully owned and controlled by Filipinos;

*Corporate Officers must all be Filipinos; AND

*Must be duly registered and existing under Philippine laws.

Additional Requirements (upon site approval):

*Bio-data of its Board of Directors and Officers, or Partners (if applicable);

*NBI Clearance of its Board of Directors and Officers, or Partners (if applicable);

*Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the applicant to represent the Corporation / Partnership (if applicable);

*Two (2) latest passport size ID picture with white background of the authorized representative;

*Proof of identification (two (2) valid IDs) of its Board of Directors and Officers, or Partners;

Income Tax Return (ITR) for the immediate preceding year;

5. What are the Requirements for Medical Access Program (MAP)?

• Confinement
  • Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Official Statement of Accounts with signature of the Billing Officer less PhilHealth and other deductions
  • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
• Erythropoietin (dialysis injection)
  • Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Original prescription of epo injection with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Original endorsement with official quotation (applicable for Dialysis Center and hospital)
  • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
• Cancer Treatment
  • Chemo drugs
    • Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
    • Original prescription with license number and signature of the doctor
    • Original or Certified True Copy of the Treatment Protocol
    • Three (3) official quotation from different supplier if not available from the hospital/dialysis center
    • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
  • Radiation therapy
    • Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
    • Official quotation from the hospital
    • Certification of PhilHealth benefits availment from the hospital
    • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
• Specialty Medicines (Hemophilia, Post Kidney transplant medicines, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Anti-Lupus, Immunocompromised Disease (IVIg), Psoriasis, Orphan Diseases, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Thalassemia and Neuro-psychiatric)
  • Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Original prescription with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Three (3) official quotation from different supplier if not available from the hospital
  • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
• Hemodialysis
  • Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Original endorsement with official quotation from the Dialysis Center and hospital
  • Certification of PhilHealth benefits availment from the Dialysis Center and hospital or Certification of PhilHealth exhaustion
  • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
• Laboratory (blood chemistry) and Diagnostic and Imaging procedures
  • Original copy of medical certificate with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Letter of Acceptance for Guarantee Letter
  • Official quotation from the hospital/Diagnostic Center
  • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
• Implant and Medical Devices (pacemaker, septal occluder, valves and PCSI devices such as Stent, Balloon catheter)
  • Original copy of medical certificate with license number and signature of the doctor
  • Letter of Acceptance for Guarantee Letter
  • Three (3) official quotation from different supplier
  • Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)

6. What are the Requirements to become a Medicines Retailers?

Participating pharmacies must provide the following documentation:

Letter of Intent addressed to the PCSO General Manager;

Company Profile (historical background, location/address, vision and mission statement, goals, organizational and management structure, programs, services and coverage areas, facilities and equipment, and staff composition);

Audited Financial Statements for the last 3 years;

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Registration Certificate, latest Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and latest Information Sheet or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Registration Certificate;

License to Operate as a Drug Retailer issued by Food and Drug Administration (FDA);

Valid Business Permit;

Picture of proposed or existing pharmacy or drug store and vicinity map;

Formulary and Pricelist of cancer treatment and specialty medicines with 25% or higher discount to be validated against prevailing market price and Department of Health – Drug Price Reference Index (DOH-DPRI).

Final Thoughts

After reading this guide, you should understand what the PCSO is all about and how you can benefit from joining it. You should also be able to determine if you qualify for membership in the PCSO and how you can get started with your application.

We hope that you found this article helpful and that it has cleared up any questions you may have had regarding the PCSO and its services. If you have any questions about this guide or any of the information mentioned herein, feel free to comment below!

DISCLAIMER: This post is only for educational purposes. We do not guarantee that the PCSO will accommodate you, nor do we guarantee that you will receive any financial benefits from applying with the PCSO.

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Contact Information

Address: Sun Plaza Building, 1507 Princeton Street corner Shaw Boulevard 1552 Mandaluyong, Philippines
Telephone Number: 0920 461 7394
Website: https://www.pcso.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pcsoofficialsocialmedia/

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