A lone bettor in Metro Manila became an instant millionaire after hitting the PHP42.9 million jackpot of the Mega Lotto 6/45 draw on Monday night. In an advisory Tuesday, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Melquiades Robles said the bettor’s winning combination 31-13-10-37-34-18 of the Mega Lotto 6/45 draw carried a total jackpot prize of PHP42,900,615. The ticket was purchased in Caniogan, Pasig City. Winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim the prize, as specified in Republic Act 1169, the law on PCSO lotteries. All jackpot prizes must be claimed at the PCSO main office in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Lotto winnings of more than PHP10,000 are subject to 20 percent tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. Meanwhile, 24 others won PHP32,000 each for guessing five out of the six winning digits, while 1,476 will get PHP1,000 each for four correct digits, and 27,413 will settle for PHP30 each for three correct digits. The 6/45 Mega Lotto is drawn every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Meanwhile, the PCSO reported it has released PHP34.3 million in medical assistance to a total of 5,330 eligible beneficiaries nationwide from July 10 to 14. Citing its latest data, the state lottery agency said in a statement the funds were released to beneficiaries through its Medical Access Program (MAP). The beneficiaries included 744 indigents from the National Capital Region who received PHP8.2 million worth of assistance; 1,125 from Northern and Central Luzon who were given PHP7.8 million; and 1,374 from the Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region who received PHP6.5 million. In the Visayas, 1,058 individuals were provided with PHP5.9 million in medical aid while 1,029 in Mindanao received PHP5.8 million. The MAP, formerly known as the Individual Medical Assistance Program, augments medical assistance for indigent Filipinos, particularly for hospital confinement, chemotherapy, dialysis and post-transplant medicines. Robles urged the public to support the agency’s gaming products to raise additional revenue for health initiatives, medical services, and other national charities. Through its mandatory contributions, the PCSO not only helps individuals in need of medical assistance but also provides funds to government institutions.
Source: Philippines News Agency