The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is a government agency in the Philippines established to raise and provide funds to implement health programs, offer medical assistance and services, and support charities of national caliber. This agency serves as the fundraising and money-making arm of the Philippine government, making money off of sweepstakes, races, and lotteries. It also invests in health and welfare-related investments, projects, and activities to strengthen its fund-generating operations.
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Since it was established in 1934, PCSO has been living up to its mandated mission and purpose to carry out its programs and projects for the disadvantaged and marginalized sectors and uplift the Filipinos’ quality of life. With this guide, you can learn more about PCSO and what it brings to the table that it has developed a strong credence and drawn incredible acceptance from the Filipinos.
What is PCSO Philippines?
PCSO stands for Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) under the direct supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines and was established mainly as a money-making institution for the Filipino people.
What started out as a fund-raising event for the benefit of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (PAAF)’s sports projects for the Filipino youth turned into a long-standing operation of similar nature.
Eventually, in 1934, the government established the PCSO, institutionalizing sweepstakes games for stronger fund-raising operations. Ever since its inception, the PCSO has been reliable in providing quality services to Filipinos. But it is their unwavering commitment to serving people and meeting their needs that have allowed them to be as beloved by many today.
PCSO Products
Though it started with only sweepstakes games in its arsenal, the PCSO has continued to innovate and upped its game to conform to the changing times. To date, the PCSO offers more products including:
- Scratch and match sweepstakes
- Scratch It! Kaskaswerte
- Horse races
- Small Town Lottery (STL)
- STL Pares
- STL Swer2
- STL Swer3
- Lotto games
- Lotto 6/42 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
- MegaLotto 6/45 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- SuperLotto 6/49 (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday)
- GrandLotto 6/55 (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday)
- UltraLotto 6/58 (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays)
- 6D Lotto (played only in Luzon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
- 4D Lotto (played in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays)
- 3D Lotto (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with daily draws)
- 2D Lotto (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with daily draws)
PCSO Prize Allocation
True to its mandate, the PCSO has, for the most part, engaged in fund-generating schemes for the implementation of its health programs. It allocates funds for in-house medical programs and also supports charities carried out by other institutions. Its long history is a testament to the GOCCs dedication. It has continuously evolved, too, establishing numerous social welfare programs while also innovating its money-making operations along the way. It mainly allocates funds to programs involving the following:
- endowment of fund/quality health care program,
- individual medical assistance program,
- community outreach program,
- ambulance donation program,
- national calamity and disaster program,
- hospital renovation and improvement of healthcare facilities, and
- Free or subsidized welfare services to the children and youth who are either abandoned or exploited, the elderly, and the physically and mentally handicapped
Along with its in-house programs, PCSO has also made significant contributions of the same nature to numerous agencies. To date, PCSO also makes mandatory contributions to the following government agencies, as provisioned by different laws in the country:
- Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) – Six(6) Sweepstakes draw of lottery per annum (RA 6847)
- Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines – One(1) Lottery draw annually (RA 4621)
- Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – One(1) Lottery draw annually (RA 3867, RA 10072)
- Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) – One(1) Sweepstakes draw (RA 620)
- National Council on Disability Affairs – One(1) Sweepstakes draw (RA 4564)
- Quezon Institute – One(1) Lottery draw annually (RA 4703)
- Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) – One(1) Sweepstakes draw (CA 595)
- Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) – (RA 11346, RA 11, PCSO BR 0151 s.2021)
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – One percent (1%) of monthly gross lotto sales (RA 7722)
- Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) – Ten percent (10%) of forfeited lotto prizes, but not lower than ₱12 million a year (RA 9165)
- PhilHealth – Forty percent (40%) of the Charity Fund (CF), net of DST payments, and mandatory contributions (RA 11223)
- Local Government Units (LGUs) – For Lotto: City/Municipality – 5% and Province – 2%; For STL: City/Municipality – 6.001% of CF and Province – 2.4003% of CF (EO 257/367-A for Lotto; BR No. 0178 s. 2020)
- Department of Finance (DOF) – At least 50% of Net Income after Corporate Income Tax (CIT) (RA 7656)
The PCSO also allocates the funds it generates from the net sales of sweepstakes tickets, whether for sweepstakes races, lotteries, or similar activities as follows:
- Prize fund (including those for the owners, jockeys of running horses, and sellers of winning tickets) – Fifty-five percent (55%)
- Contributions to the Charity Fund (CF) (for identified priority programs as approved by the President) – Thirty percent (30%)
- Contributions to the operating expenses and capital expenditures of PCSO – Fifteen percent (15%)
- All balances of any funds in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office shall revert to and form part of the Charity Fund (CF)
- Unclaimed prizes within one year from date of draw shall be considered forfeited, and shall form part of the Charity Fund (CF)
- The Board may apply part of the contributions to the charity fund to approved investments provided that it doesn’t exceed ten percent (10%) of the net receipts from the sale of sweepstakes tickets within the year
PCSO Programs and Services
The PCSO, through the years, has established the following programs and projects to help financially challenged or disadvantaged Filipino families. Such Programs and services include:
CAD Programs and Services
Medical Access Program (MAP)
This involves provision of assistance to male and female individuals with health-related problems seeking financial help, issued in partnership with government and private hospitals, health facilities, medicine retailers and other partners.
Institutional Partnership (IP) Program
The IP Program refers to the financial grant offered to various welfare agencies and charitable medical facilities to support medical and health needs of the poor and disadvantaged sector in local communities.
Medical Transport Vehicle (MTV) Donation Program
This refers to the provision of medical transport vehicles to the Local Government Units (LGUs) of conflict-stricken areas and vulnerable communities as well as those geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Integrated Health for Overall Productivity and Empowerment (I-HOPE)
This offers medical equipment and primary health care to the barangay health stations and rural health units in the poorest provinces in the country.
Calamity Assistance Program
The CAP refers to PCSOs assistance offered to families and individuals affected by calamities, disasters, or medical emergencies through the LGUs.
Medicine Donation Program
The MDP refers to PCSOs provision of basic medicines and supplies to eligible government and non-government, non-profit organizations, and health facilities so they can deliver effective health care services.
Medical Services Department (MSD) Programs and Services
Auxiliary Ambulance Service
Through this service is given to patients who need to be transported from hospital to home, hospital to hospital, or from a PCSO facility to a hospital.
Medical and Dental Mission Program
PCSO also conducts periodic outreach health care services and gives free medicines to people in depressed communities and in calamity-affected areas within and outside Metro Manila and nearby provinces through the LGUs.
Medicine Donation Program (MDP)
This involves offering short-term assistance for basic medicines coursed through the government and non-government, non-profit organization and health facilities.
Outpatient Services Program
The Outpatient services includes provision of general medicine consultation, basic or minor surgical procedure, dental consultation and treatment, and provision of free medicines.
Mandatory Contributions
E-Services
- Health Care Facility Assistance Validation
- PCSO Medical Access Program (MAP) Online Application
This online application system is intended to secure financial assistance from the PCSO with in the premise of augmenting the costly medical expenses. It operates on a first come first serve basis.
- Online MAP Application Status Inquiry
- PCSO Gift Check Validation
- Print Guarantee Letter or Claim Slip
Other PCSO Services
- PCSO Charity Clinic services
Offers free healthcare services including consultations, minor surgeries, ambulance conduction of patients, and emergency care as well as referrals to depressed barangays in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
- Direct financial, funeral and medical assistance
Direct cash assistance to victims of unforeseeable events or accidents like in the case of the Ormoc disaster, Pinatubo eruption, and Ozone fire tragedy, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need references, here are some common questions and answers regarding the PCSO:
1. How do I claim my sweepstakes prize?
To claim the prize for your winning sweepstakes ticket, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: With your two (2) valid IDs and the winning ticket/s, visit the PCSO Main Office.
Step 2: Present your winning ticket/s at the Prize Fund Division, Accounting and Budget Department on the 2nd Floor.
Step 3: Affix your signature at the back of the winning ticket/s to establish your absolute ownership, then, fill up the claim form.
Step 4: Once done, head on to the Treasury Department and present your authenticated winning ticket/s and approved claim form for immediate preparation of your check.
Step 5: Have your check signed by the Chairman or the General Manager.
Step 6: Head back to the Treasury Department to properly receive your winning prize or check .
Step 6: Encash your check at the Philippine National Bank (PNB) or the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) located at the Ground Floor of the PCSO Main Office.
2. Are there conditions for the payment of prizes?
Yes. You must meet the following conditions if you want to claim your prizes without any problems:
- The holder of the winning ticket must personally present the actual ticket.
- The ticket must be free from any mutilation, erasure or stain, making any number/s therein illegible, and provided further that no court injunction restraining the PCSO to pay is received before payment
- For prizes above 10,000.00, the prizes are subject to 20% tax pursuant to the TRAIN Law.
3. How do I claim my Lotto prize?
To claim your prize for winning Lotto combinations, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Write your name and affix your signature at the back of your winning tickets before claiming your prize.
- Prize amounting to 20.00 up to 10,000.00 can be claimed at any authorized Lotto outlet or at the PCSO Branch Offices in your area
- Prizes from 10,001.00 and up to 300,000.00 can be claimed at the PCSO Branch Offices in your area or at the PCSO Main Office 2nd Floor
- Prizes from 300,001.00 and up to JACKPOT PRIZE should be validated and claimed at the PCSO Main Office 2nd Floor
- For the system prize payout, please refer to the Prize Pay-Out Chart
Step 2: With your two (2) valid IDs and the winning ticket/s, visit the PCSO Main Office.
Step 3: Present your winning ticket/s at the Prize Fund Division, Accounting and Budget Department on the 2nd Floor.
Step 4: Fill up the claim form.
Step 5: Once done, head on to the Treasury Department and present your authenticated winning ticket/s and approved claim form for immediate preparation of your check.
Step 6: Have your check signed by the Chairman or the General Manager.
Step 7: Head back to the Treasury Department to properly receive your winning prize or check .
Step 8: Encash your check at the Philippine National Bank (PNB) or the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) located at the Ground Floor of the PCSO Main Office.
4. What are the Requirements for Medical Access Program (MAP)?
Depending on the condition, here’s a list of the requirements that you need to prepare:
- Confinement
- Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
- Official Statement of Accounts with signature of the Billing Officer less PhilHealth and other deductions
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
- Erythropoietin (dialysis injection)
- Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
- Original prescription of EPO injection with license number and signature of the doctor
- Original endorsement with official quotation (applicable for Dialysis Center and hospital)
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
- Cancer Treatment
- Chemo drugs
- Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with license number and signature of the doctor
- Original prescription with license number and signature of the doctor
- Original or Certified True Copy of the Treatment Protocol
- Three (3) official quotations from the different suppliers if not available from the hospital/dialysis center
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
- Radiation therapy
- Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with the license number and signature of the doctor
- Official quotation from the hospital
- Certification of PhilHealth benefits availed from the hospital
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
- Specialty Medicines (Hemophilia, Post Kidney transplant medicines, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Anti-Lupus, Immunocompromised Disease (IVIg), Psoriasis, Orphan Diseases, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Thalassemia and Neuro-psychiatric)
- Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with the license number and signature of the doctor
- Original prescription with license number and signature of the doctor
- Three (3) official quotations from different supplier if not available from the hospital
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
- Hemodialysis
- Original/certified photocopy of medical abstract with the license number and signature of the doctor
- Original endorsement with an official quotation from the Dialysis Center and hospital
- Certification of PhilHealth benefits availed from the Dialysis Center and hospital or Certification of PhilHealth exhaustion
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
- Laboratory (blood chemistry) and Diagnostic and Imaging procedures
- Original copy of the medical certificate with the license number and signature of the doctor
- Letter of Acceptance for Guarantee Letter
- Official quotation from the hospital/Diagnostic Center
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
- Implant and Medical Devices (pacemaker, septal occluder, valves, and PCSI devices such as Stent, Balloon catheter)
- Original copy of the medical certificate with the license number and signature of the doctor
- Letter of Acceptance for Guarantee Letter
- Three (3) official quotations from a different supplier
- Valid ID of the patient (photocopy)
5. Who owns the PCSO?
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the direct supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines.
Summary
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is a GOCC owned and managed by the Philippine government. It is the department in charge of innovating and hosting lottery games for fund-raising purposes. The funds generated by the agency are used to support health programs and charities, as well as fund other agencies’ initiatives. With the PCSO around, Filipinos can expect more number-picking games of luck to enjoy and win from.
Contact Information
For more information on sweepstakes, lotteries, and PCSO programs and services, you may reach out to:
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
Gaming Concerns: Lotto Results, Game mechanics, Schedule of draws, How to claim prizes
Ms. Erly B. Estrella
Division Chief III, Sales and Marketing Division
Product and Standard Development Department
2F Conservatory Bldg., 605 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City 1552
(02)8846-8764
pcso_marketing@yahoo.com
Gaming Concerns: Lotto Application, STL Application
(For NCR Area)
Atty. Eufracio R. Fufugal, Jr.
OIC-Department Manager, National Capital Region Department
2F Shaw Plaza One Bldg., 561 Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City
(02)8706-6692
ncr@pcso.gov.ph
(For Northern and Central Luzon Area)
Josefina A. Sarsonas-Aguas
Department Manager, Northern and Central Luzon Department
2F Shaw Plaza One Bldg., 561 Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City
(02)8706-2134
ncl@pcso.gov.ph
(For Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region Area)
Irma S. Guemo
Department Manager, Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region Department
2F Shaw Plaza One Bldg., 561 Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City
(02)8706-7753
stbr@pcso.gov.ph
(For Visayas Area)
Gloria C. Ybañez
Department Manager, Visayas Department
2F, PCSO Building, Osmeña St., North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
(032)234-4352 | (032)234-4354 | (032)234-4356 | (032)234-4359
visayas@pcso.gov.ph
(For Mindanao Area)
Ellyn A. Ostan
OIC-Department Manager, Mindanao Department
Maharlika Center, J. P. Cabaguio St., Davao City
(082)282-0305 | (082)221-8579 | (082)225-7682 | (082)226-4720 | (082)227-5867
mindanao@pcso.gov.ph
Gaming Concerns: Sweepstakes “Partner Tayo” Program
Laila D. Galang
Department Manager, Product and Standard Development Department
2F Conservatory Bldg., 605 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City 1552
(02)8997-0244
lgalang@pcso.gov.ph
Charity Services
MAP, IPP, MTV Donation Program, I-HOPE, Calamity Assistance Program, Medicine Donation Program, Medical and Dental Mission Program, Out-Patient Services
Atty. Marissa O. Medrano
Department Manager
Charity Assistance Department
Conservatory Bldg., 605 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City 1552
(02)8426-3475; (02)8366-3328
mmedrano@pcso.gov.ph
Medical and Dental Mission, Out-Patient Consultation, Medicine Donation
Dr. Jose Bernardo H. Gochoco
Department Manager
Medical Services Department
Conservatory Bldg., 605 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City 1552
(02)8441-2065
jgochoco@pcso.gov.ph