Like how “lugaw” (porridge) was deemed essential by many, some netizens believe that lotto is essential, too.
When areas under the National Capital Region (NCR)-plus were downgraded to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), many people were looking forward to the resumption of lotto and other games.
However, the announcement made by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO) on April 12 that selling of tickets for all of its games in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal as well as Santiago City, Quirino, and Abra remain suspended came as a disappointment to many.
This also prompted netizens to call on the government to allow the resumption of lotto and other digit games in these areas even though these are under MECQ.
On PCSO’s official Facebook page, comments asking PCSO to resume its operations are increasing everyday.
Facebook user Sotero Eblacas, for instance, said: “Essential po ang lotto! Buksan nyo na po.”
Another user, John Stephen Fuentes, also commented: “Buti pa yung mga tindahan at ukay-ukay nakakabenta.” While user Arlou Ballesteros Roque added: “hayy wala kita, wala pa ayuda.”
Some users, like Datrut B. Karma, could not help but lament the continued suspension of lotto operations: “Ayan nalang ang pag-asa ng nakararami ngayong pandemia. wala naman magbibigay samin ng million kung di pagtaya dito sa lottery tapos suspendido pa. Paano kami makakausad nyan?! Alangan namang makipag compete pa kami sa nagnenegosyo. tapos sasabhin wag iasa sa swerte. ni ayuda nga hindi pinapalad mapagbigyan eh!!!”
Other users like Gary Strong noted: “I dont understand how a lot of players in Metro Manila cannot buy a ticket for a chance to win the jackpot that they have been buying tickets for in the past. Selective selling of tickets should not happen. Either sell tickets to everyone or no one.”
More comments on https://www.facebook.com/pcsoofficialsocialmedia/
Following the latest government directive placing areas in National Capital Region (NCR)-plus along with Santiago City, Quirino, and Abra under MECQ, PCSO said that the selling of lotto tickets and other digit games - including the conduct of Small Town Lottery (STL) draws - remains suspended from April 12 to 30, 2021.
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