By Charissa Luci-Atienza
Lawmakers expressed on Monday their support for the resumption of lotto operations in the country, recognizing it will help augment the government's depleting resources against COVID-19.
House of the Representatives (Facebook / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Southern Leyte lone district Rep. Roger Mercado, Quezon City 2nd district Rep. Precious Castelo, and Kalinga lone district Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang cited the need to replenish the government's depleting war chest against the coronavirus disease.
Mercado said the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) may consider the resumption of lotto operations in areas with zero cases of COVID-19.
"The lotto operations can be resumed in non-COVID pandemic areas, but not in Metro Manila and Cebu," he said in a text message.
Castelo, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, said, "I support the resumption of lotto operations, provided the locations of outlets will comply with guidelines - far from churches and schools."
"PCSO revenues will greatly help in sustaining COVID-19 response now that funds are getting depleted and with no assurance when this pandemic will end," she said.
In a separate text message, Mangaoang also expressed his conditional support for the possible return of lotto operations.
"If properly managed, yes, I will support it," he said.
Malacañang had earlier announced that the IATF may soon consider the possibility of bringing back lotto operations, citing the PCSO as an important source of revenues to fund the government's fight against COVID-19.
The PCSO already asked Presidente Duterte to allow the resumption of lotto operations after being suspended for three months since March 17.
PCSO General Manager Royina Garma sent a letter to the Presidentto formally seek the resumption of lotto operations.
She said the minimum health standards needed for the resumption of the outlet, including the protocols on physical distancing are being prepared.
The wearing of face masks of both the bettors and lotto agents will be required and a barrier between lotto agents and bettors will be installed to avoid close contact.
Garma said they will prohibit those aged 21 and below and 60 years old and above to serve as lotto agents.
She had earlier said they were preparing for the digital system of betting, but it is still subject for approval.