The Philippine National Police wasted no time on shutting down lotto outlets a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the immediate closure of franchises, licenses or permits granted by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Umabot na ng 2,000 outlets ang napasara ng PNP kahapon. Wala pa tayong tala kung ilan ang tala ng mga outlets nationwide,” PNP Spokesperson Bernard Banac told GMA News.
Duterte said that corruption in PCSO is his main reason to order the closures and stop the gaming operations of PCSO for the time being.
“Napag-utusan tayo ng ating Pangulo at isinakatuparan agad natin,” Banac added explaining their immediate action on Duterte’s order.
Banac said that they also arrested some bettors who were caught in the act of placing their bets.
“May mga gano’n na rin na inaresto, mga aktuwal na tumataya in the presence ng ating mga kapulisan habang ginagawa ang pagpapasara ng mga outlet. In the act na tumataya sila bilang illegal gambling, inaresto rin,” Banac said.
The PNP also warned about tong-its and bets using spiders because it can also be considered as form of illegal gambling.
Presidential Decree 1602 states that those found guilty of illegal gambling may face a fine, community service, or jail time.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra revealed that he was surprised with Duterte’s move but assumes that this could just be temporary.
PCSO officials said that they will appeal the President’s decision.
