The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) turned over checks amounting to over PHP16 million to the Quezon City government as its share of lotto revenues from January to June this year.

In a statement on Thursday, the agency said PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles handed over the check worth PHP16,305,343 to Mayor Joy Belmonte at the Quezon City Hall on Wednesday.

Belmonte said the amount will augment the funds of the city government for its charity and health programs.

“Nais ko pong ipaabot kay GM Robles at sa buong PCSO Family ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat. Ang halaga ng aming natanggap mula sa Lotto Sales ng PCSO ay aming ipapasa sa aming Social Services Development Department para makatulong sa mga mamamayan natin na nangangailangan lalo na yung mga naapektuhan ng pandemya, dengue, at leptospirosis na uso ngayon dahil nasa panahon tayo ng tag-ulan (I would like to extend my sincere thanks to GM Robles and the entire PCSO Family. The amount we received from PCSO’s lotto sales will be forwarded to our Social Services Development Department to help our citizens who are in need, especially those affected by the pandemic and water-borne diseases such as dengue, and leptospirosis). Rest assured that you have a friend in Quezon City,” said Belmonte.

Robles, meanwhile, thanked all lotto patrons and those who patronize all PCSO games in the city.

He also said his visit aims to strengthen the relationship between PCSO and Quezon City for the next six years in terms of support for the gaming products of the agency.

He urged the public to keep on patronizing PCSO games to generate more funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities.

Local government units receive a percentage of the total revenues of PCSO operations in their areas and these shares can be used for their respective projects.

The PCSO is mandated to set aside 30 percent of its revenue for charity, 55 percent for prizes, and 15 percent for its operation. All balances of any funds in the PCSO will form part of the charity fund.

Through its mandatory contributions, the agency said it does not only help individuals in need of medical assistance but also provides funds to government institutions. (PNA)