PCSO
All About PCSO
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is a government-owned and controlled corporation of the Philippines under direct supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines. It is mandated to do fund raising and provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character.
The PCSO is the largest charity organization in the Philippines, and its funding is used to support a wide range of health and welfare programs, including:
- Providing financial assistance to indigent patients for medical treatment and hospitalization
- Funding the construction and operation of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities
- Supporting research on new and innovative medical treatments
- Providing scholarships to medical students and healthcare professionals
- Funding programs to promote public health and wellness
The PCSO also supports a number of charities of national character, such as the Philippine Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
The PCSO raises funds through the sale of lottery tickets and other gaming products. Its most popular games include Lotto 6/42, Grand Lotto 6/55, and Ultra Lotto 6/58.
The PCSO plays an important role in the Philippine social welfare system, and its funding is used to help millions of Filipinos in need every year.
Here are some of the PCSO’s notable achievements:
- Since its inception in 1935, the PCSO has generated over ₱1 trillion in revenue, of which over ₱700 billion has been allocated to various health and welfare programs and projects.
- The PCSO has funded the construction and operation of over 1,000 hospitals and clinics nationwide.
- The PCSO has provided financial assistance to millions of indigent patients for medical treatment and hospitalization.
- The PCSO has supported research on new and innovative medical treatments, including the development of a vaccine for the dengue virus.
- The PCSO has funded programs to promote public health and wellness, such as the immunization program and the National Nutrition Program.
The PCSO is a vital part of the Philippine social welfare system, and its work has helped to improve the lives of millions of Filipinos.
PCSO History
The history of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) can be traced back to 1833, when the Spanish government introduced lotteries in the Philippines. The first lottery draw was held on January 21, 1851, under the auspices of a private company called the Empresa de Reales Loterias Españolas de Filipinas.
The Spanish government used the revenue from lotteries to fund various public projects. However, the lotteries were also criticized for their addictive nature and their potential to lead to financial ruin.
In 1898, the Spanish–American War broke out, and the lotteries were suspended. After the war, the Philippines was ceded to the United States. The US government did not revive the lotteries, and they remained suspended until the 1930s.
In 1934, the Philippine Legislature passed Act No. 4130, creating the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The PCSO was mandated to raise funds for charity by conducting sweepstakes and lotteries.
The PCSO held its first sweepstakes draw on September 8, 1935. The draw was a huge success, and the PCSO was able to raise a significant amount of money for charity.
Over the years, the PCSO has expanded its range of games to include lotto, digit games, and other gaming products. It has also increased the frequency of its draws.
The PCSO plays an important role in the Philippine social welfare system, and its work has helped improve millions of Filipinos’ lives.
THE NEW SWEEPSTAKES AGENCY
The Philippine government decided to institutionalize the sweepstakes as a new way to raise funds for public health and general welfare. This was a broader scope than the previous sweepstakes, which were limited to benefiting the youth or fighting tuberculosis.
In March 1935, President Manuel L. Quezon approved Act 4130, creating the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (PCSO) to replace the National Charity Sweepstakes. The new agency was authorized to borrow ₱250,000 from the National Treasury to organize the office and print tickets for its first draw.
On September 8, 1935, the PCSO held its first sweepstakes draw. The draw was a huge success, and the loan was paid back in less than two months. The PCSO’s humanitarian mission quickly won public trust and support.
Among the PCSO’s early beneficiaries were the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (PAAF), the Philippine Tuberculosis Society (PTS), the National Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Association de Damas de Filipinas, the Gota de Leche, the Associate of Manila and the Provinces, the Philippine Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Asilo Para Invalidos de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, the Child Welfare Center, and other institutions and organizations engaged in charitable and health work, or work for the improvement of the conditions of the indigent Filipino masses.
In June 1954, Republic Act 1169 was enacted into law, allowing the PCSO to hold charity sweepstakes and lotteries once a month when there are no Sweepstakes draws and races.
The PCSO has since become an indispensable charity arm of the Philippine government, providing funding for essential health and welfare activities and projects nationwide.
BIGGER SHARE FOR CHARITY
In 1979, a law was passed that increased the PCSO’s Charity Fund from 25% of net sales to 30%. The remaining 70% was divided between prizes (55%) and operations (15%). All unclaimed prizes also go to the Charity Fund.
The PCSO began holding draws every week all year round, plus special draws like the Freedom Draw, the ₱5 million draws, and the Christmas Draws. Despite the increase in sweepstakes activity, the PCSO was still struggling to meet the growing demand for financial assistance from all over the country.
During the Ramos administration, the PCSO was tasked with supporting the government’s rehabilitation program for the areas devastated by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. The PCSO held a special draw to raise charity funds for the victims, and raised a total of ₱350 million.
The PCSO also conducted a series of draws to support the Cordillera Autonomous Region Livelihood Project, which provides opportunities for Filipinos in the Cordilleras to work and develop themselves as productive entrepreneurs.
As stated in its charter, the PCSO’s primary objective is to provide funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character. The PCSO’s mandate has helped to develop community healthcare in regional hospitals nationwide through the establishment of Tuberculosis Centers, Cancer and Pain Centers, and Dialysis Centers that deliver vital medical assistance and services to the people.
NEW LOTTERIES
The PCSO is authorized to hold lotteries and other similar activities to raise money. A lottery is a game where people pay to enter for a chance to win a prize.
For over 50 years, the traditional Sweepstakes was the PCSO’s only source of revenue. However, the PCSO needed to find new ways to raise money to meet its growing financial commitments.
In 1987, the PCSO launched the Instant Sweepstakes, a new type of lottery game that was patterned after a similar game in the United States. The Instant Sweepstakes was a success and generated an additional ₱27 million for the PCSO Charity Fund by the end of the year.
Another innovation that the PCSO tried was the Small Town Lottery (STL). The STL was designed to generate more money for local projects and to eradicate illegal number games that were rampant in the countryside.
The PCSO also introduced live television coverage of its draws and implemented other security measures to bolster its integrity and credibility.
Other PCSO Services
The PCSO Charity Clinic provides free medical and dental services to indigent patients in the Philippines. The clinic department offers consultations, minor surgeries, ambulance conduction, and referrals. It also undertakes community outreach projects in Maternal and Child Health and Primary Health Care. The PCSO has also provided financial assistance to victims of natural disasters and other tragedies.
PCSO Hymn
Lyrics by:
Ma. Livia “Honey Girl” Singson De Leon
Florida P. Rosal
Arranged by:
Jesus Romillo
Tanggapang Sweepstakes sandigan ng bayan,
Tanglaw ka sa kinabukasan.
Kislap ng bituin mo dala’y pag-asa,
Sa mithiin ng Pilipinong taglay mo.
Kahanga-hanga iyong mga gawain,
Mga maysakit iyong inaaruga.
Gabay ng gobyerno sa pagtulong,
Sa buong Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao.
O Sweepstakes, Lotto aming pag-asa
Ibangon mo kami sa karamdaman
Iligtas mo kami sa kahirapan
Tulungan mga Pilipinong umaasa sa’yo.
Mabuhay! Mabuhay!
Mabuhay ang Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Mabuhay! Mabuhay!
Mabuhay ang bayang Pilipinas
PCSO, MABUHAY!!!
PCSO Prayer
INVOCATION
(PRAYER BEFORE WORK)
Lord, as I start the day, let me remember how blessed I am to be in my job.
Remind me to be grateful for the work that I do, the people I meet, and the wage I received.
Keep me cooperative with both my employer and co-worker.
If I have to complain, make me think first of the common good, and later of my own welfare.
Help me to be honest in my dealings, and responsible in the task assigned to me.
Make me aware that in my work, I bring your work to completion.
AMEN.
PCSO Vision and Mission
PCSO Charter
H. NO. 1305
Third Congress
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1169
“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES, HORSE RACES, AND LOTTERIES”
(As amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 42 and Presidential Decree No. 1157)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, hereinafter designated the Office, shall be the principal government agency for raising and providing for funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character, and as such shall have the general powers conferred in section thirteen of Act Numbered One thousand four hundred fifty-nine, as amended, and shall have the authority:
To hold and conduct charity sweepstakes races, lotteries, and other similar activities, in such frequency and manner, as shall be determined, and subject to such rules and regulations as shall be promulgated by the Board of Directors.
Subject to the approval of the Minister of Human Settlements, to engage in health and welfare-related investments, programs, projects and activities which may be profit-oriented, by itself or in collaboration, association or joint venture with any person, association, company or entity, whether domestic or foreign, except for the activities mentioned in the preceding paragraph (A), for the purpose of providing for permanent and continuing sources of funds for health programs, including the expansion of existing ones, medical assistance and services, and/or charitable grants: Provided, That such investments will not compete with the private sector in areas where investments are adequate, as may be determined by the National Economic and Development Authority.
To undertake any other activity that will enhance its funds generation operations and funds management capabilities, subject to the same limitations provided for in the preceding paragraph.
It shall have a Board of Directors, hereinafter designated the Board, composed of five members who shall be appointed, and whose compensation and term of office shall be fixed, by the President (Prime Minister). [Amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 42 dated 24 September 1979]
SECTION 2. The general manager shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and he can be removed or suspended only for cause as provided by law. He shall have the direction and control of the Office in all matters which are not specifically reserved for action by the Board. Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, he shall also appoint the personnel of the Office, except the Auditor and the personnel of the Office of the Auditor who shall be appointed by the Auditor General.
SECTION 3. Operating expenses. — The operating expenses of the Office shall be paid from its receipts.
SECTION 4. Holding of sweepstakes. — The Office shall hold charity horse race sweepstakes under such regulations as shall be promulgated by the Board in accordance with Republic Act No. 309: Provided, however, That when the holding of a sweepstakes race to determine prizes is impossible due to war, public calamity, or other unforeseen or fortuitous event, or when there is no sufficient number of horses to determine the major prizes, the Board of Directors may determine the procedure to be followed in the distribution of prizes in the most just, equitable, and expeditious manner. The horse races and the sale of tickets in the said sweepstakes shall be exempted from all taxes, except that each ticket shall bear a twelve-centavo internal revenue stamp and that from that from the total prize fund as provided herein from the proceeds of the sale of tickets there shall be deducted an amount equivalent to five per centum of such total prize fund, which shall be paid to the Bureau of Internal Revenue not later than ten days after each sweepstakes in lieu of the income tax heretofore collected from sweepstakes prize winners: Provided, however, That any prizes that may be paid out from the resulting prize fund, after said five per centum has been deducted, shall be exempted from income tax. The tickets shall be printed by the Government and shall be considered government securities for the purposes of penalizing forgery or alteration. [As amended by Presidential Decree No. 1157 dated 3 June 1977].
SECTION 5. The Board of Directors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes is hereby authorized to fix heights of race horses to run in each sweepstakes race as provided for in this Act.
Only horses born in the Philippines that have run for a prize previously in any race may participate in any sweepstakes race under this Act. The Board of Directors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes shall fix the dates of registration, measurement, and declaration of horses to participate in any sweepstakes race. No horse owner shall be permitted to register more than one entry that may participate in any sweepstakes race.
SECTION 6. Allocation of Net Receipts. — From the gross receipts from the sale of sweepstakes tickets, whether for sweepstakes races, lotteries, or similar activities, shall be deducted the printing cost of such tickets, which in no case shall exceed two percent of such gross receipts to arrive at the net receipts. The net receipts shall be allocated as follows:
Fifty-five percent (55%) shall be set aside as a prize fund for the payment of prizes, including those for the owners, jockeys of running horses, and sellers of winning tickets.
Prizes not claimed by the public within one year from date of draw shall be considered forfeited, and shall form part of the charity fund for disposition as stated below.
Thirty percent (30%) shall be set aside as contributions to the charity fund from which the Board of Directors, in consultation with the Ministry of Human Settlement on identified priority programs, needs, and requirements in specific communities and with approval of the Office of the President (Prime Minister), shall make payments or grants for health programs, including the expansion of existing ones, medical assistance and services and/or charities of national character, such as the Philippine National Red Cross, under such policies and subject to such rules and regulations as the Board may from time establish and promulgate. The Board may apply part of the contributions to the charity fund to approved investments of the Office pursuant to Section 1 (B) hereof, but in no case shall such application to investments exceed ten percent (10%) of the net receipts from the sale of sweepstakes tickets in any given year.
Any property acquired by an institution or organization with funds given to it under this Act shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of without the approval of the Office of the President (Prime Minister), and that in the event of its dissolution all such property shall be transferred to and shall automatically become the property of the Philippine Government.
Fifteen (15%) percent shall be set aside as contributions to the operating expenses and capital expenditures of the Office.
All balances of any funds in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office shall revert to and form part of the charity fund provided for in paragraph (B), and shall be subject to disposition as above stated.The disbursements of the allocation herein authorized shall be subject to the usual auditing rules and regulations. [As amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 42 dated 24 September 1979].
SECTION 7. Annual Report of the Board. — The Board shall submit, during the month of July of each year, a report to the President of the Philippines and to both House of Congress on the activities of the Office.
SECTION 8. Acts penalized. — The following shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than one month and not more than three years:
Any person who, without being a duly authorized agent of the Office, sells tickets of the Office, or, being such agent, sells tickets, fractions or coupons thereof not issued by the Office, representing or tending to represent an interest in tickets issued by the Office.
Any person who sells tickets issued by the Office at a price greater than the price stated on the ticket.
Any officer or employee of a hospital or other charitable or hygienic institution or organization who uses funds obtained from the Office under this Act for purposes other than those herein authorized.
SECTION 9. Powers and Functions of the Board of Directors. — The Board of Directors of the Office shall have the following powers and functions:
To adopt or amend such rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.
Consistent with the purposes of this Act, to determine and approve the most effective organizational framework for the Office and its staffing pattern; to fix the salaries and determine the reasonable allowances, bonuses, and other incentives of its officers and employees as may be recommended by the General Manager; and to prescribe the manner of hiring and compensating on a contractual basis such sales and other personnel as may be required for its operations, subject to pertinent civil service and compensation laws.
To contract loans, credits, and indebtedness, whether domestic or foreign, on such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate for the accomplishment of its purposes, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
To promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of the Office and to do such act or acts as may be necessary for the attainment of its purposes and objectives.
SECTION 10. The Board of Directors of the Sweepstakes, with the approval of the President of the Philippines, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the holding of lotteries; shall fix the number and price of the tickets for the same and number of tickets usually given gratis to the ticket vendors; fix the number and amount of prizes; fix the date when the sale of tickets shall close; and designate the dates and place or places where such lotteries shall be held.
SECTION 11. Laws affected. — Act No. 430, as amended by Commonwealth Act Nos. 301 and 546 and by Republic Acts Nos. 72 and 574, and all other Acts or parts thereof, except Commonwealth Act No. 595 and Republic Act No. 620, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed.
SECTION 12. Date of Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved, June 18, 1954.
PCSO Mandatory Contributions
Source: PCSO