The country’s newest multimillionaire hails from Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija who won the Dec. 23, 2022 6/45 Mega Lotto jackpot of P114 million.
Meanwhile, the state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) disclosed that it has released more than P22.6 million in medical assistance to 2,766 eligible indigent beneficiaries nationwide from Jan. 3 to 6.
The PCSO said the new multimillionaire claimed his prize jackpot prize last Jan. 3 at its main office in Mandaluyong City.
The bettor wagered on winning combination 11-21-01-12-17-03 during the Dec. 23, 2022 Mega Lotto draw.
He said he had been a regular lotto player for 15 years and that his winning combination consisted of his favorite numbers.
He added that his previous winnings were only came only from four digits and ‘balik-taya’ (return of bet).
“I am very thankful to the PCSO and the Lord for winning the lottery. I didn’t expect that at this time I would win the jackpot, it came at the right time before Christmas. I can’t explain what I feel,” he said.
The winner, who has been in business for most of his lifetime, has already planned how he will utilize his winnings.
“Sa totoo lang po, naging maayos naman po ang naging takbo ng buhay ko. Nakita ko ang pangangailangan ng aking mga kababayan at napagpasyahan ko po na unahing ipantulong ang makukuha kong premyo mula sa lotto. Ipagpapatuloy ko rin at palalaguin ang aking mga negosyo at syempre mag-iipon para sa kinabukasan ng aking pamilya ,” he said.
To avoid forfeiture of winnings, winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim the prize, as specified in Republic Act No. 1169.
The PCSO further reminds the public that all lotto jackpot prizes must be claimed at the PCSO Main Office, Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.
To claim prizes, winners must write their names and sign at the back of the winning ticket, and present two government-issued IDs.
The public is also reminded that prizes are subject to tax as provided for in the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.
Among the PCSO’S latest beneficiaries were 329 people from the National Capital Region (NCR) who received a total of P4.2 million, and 556 individuals from Northern and Central Luzon who were given P4.9 million.
In the Southern Tagalog and Bicol Regions, around P5.1 million was released to 722 indigents.
In the Visayas, the PCSO also assisted 543 individuals who were provided with PHP4.1 million in medical aid, while 616 individuals in Mindanao received PHP4.1 million in benefits.
Last December, PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles handed over a check worth P1,313,447 to Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, as the city’s lotto shares for the period of January to June 2022.
Robles urged the public to support the agency’s gaming products in order to raise additional revenue for health initiatives, medical services, and other national charities.
The more Lotto outlets a municipality or city has, the higher the shares it will receive.
Through its mandatory contributions, the PCSO not only helps individuals in need of medical assistance but also provides funds to government institutions.
