SUN PLAZA, Lungsod ng Mandaluyong — Lumundag ang beta ng lotto ng mahigit 38 porsyento kasunod ng pagpapataas sa mga minimum jackpot sa kabila ng mga alegasyon ng korapsyon, partikular na sa mga iregularidad sa pagpanalo ng mga award at anomalya sa mga bidding, ayon sa Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

PCSO general manager Melquiades 'Mel' Robles reported that lotto sales posted a sharp surge in early February after he ordered the roll out of higher minimum jackpot prizes, which underscored renewed public enthusiasm for the country’s lottery games and confidence in the updated prize structure.

Data from the agency's revenue records showed that total lotto sales from February 1 to 7, the current year reached ₱413.83 million, a 38.3 percent increase from ₱299.17 million registered in the same period last year.

Robles disclosed that the growth followed the launch of higher starting jackpots across major lotto games, allowing players to vie for bigger prizes from the very first draw. Beyond higher sales, PCSO also recorded a rise in participation, with the number of lotto tickets sold climbing 10.7 percent year-on-year during the same week.

Despite the positive developments, some sectors cite that the increase in minimum jackpots only paves the way for bigger 'kickbacks' for high-ranking PCSO officials, who reportedly rig the lotto and sweepstakes draw in exchange of half of the winnings.

A concerned group claimed that lotto winners often face difficulties in getting their cash prizes as agency officials, including rank-and-file employees demand a share or 'balato' from their winnings.

In reaction, Robles enthused that despite the wrongful allegations, the increase in the PCSO's sales figures discount the accusations of corruption as the positive outcome points to stronger engagement as players respond to the improved value proposition of larger minimum jackpots combined with the familiar progressive jackpot system.

He added that the latest sales results likewise affirm the public’s positive reception of the changes even as he notef that offering more attractive prizes at the outset has made lotto games more exciting while maintaining fairness, transparency and long-term sustainability.

"The rise in sales also reflects growing trust in the Philippine lottery system. Increased participation translates directly into greater funding for PCSO’s health, medical and social welfare programs, which support Filipinos in need across the country," the PCSO's general manager stressed.