PCSO reveals plan to launch mobile-based betting app for Lotto

Transcript

00:00 The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is banking on a mobile app that'll bring full

00:05 and fingertip convenience through wagering online but is opening up to the perils of

00:10 juvenile gambling.

00:12 In the meantime, the Commission on Higher Education completed its turn after today's

00:16 resumption of its proposed budget hearing.

00:19 The full report from Mela Lesmaras.

00:23 On top of its physical outlets, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office shared today its

00:28 impending launch of a mobile-based betting application game or Lotto app.

00:32 According to PCSO Assistant General Manager Arnel Casas, this is part of their digitalization

00:38 efforts.

00:39 "We're about to launch the digital gaming operation starting with the mobile-based application

00:51 platform that will initially be utilized for the Lotto games.

00:57 By September 18 to 19, we will now have our user acceptance testing with all the...

01:07 Ah, so it's almost there.

01:09 Yes."

01:10 But the question is, how will they ensure the mobile app and gambling itself will not

01:14 be accessed by minors?

01:16 The PCSO assured it has strict registration process and ironclad safeguards not only to

01:22 protect young ones but also to ensure the security of the bettors.

01:26 "We have this, what we call the KYC or Know Your Client.

01:30 This guarantees that no minors will be able to register or place bet using the mobile

01:39 web-based application.

01:40 For you to register, you will have to take or submit a picture, a government ID to be

01:49 submitted with taken your face, no player."

01:56 Also, the PCSO said it is now intensifying the campaign against illegal gambling operations

02:01 with the help of confidential funds and their government partners.

02:05 "We have established coordination with the law enforcement agencies, NBI and PNP.

02:12 Lalo din po sa local government units, we are also coordinating."

02:17 All of this were discussed during the budget deliberations of the House Committee on Appropriations.

02:22 Unlike other hearings for the PCSO, the lawmakers focus on its financial statements and targets

02:28 because they are not asking for a budget but instead help finance the government spending.

02:33 The PCSO is the principal government agency responsible for raising and providing funds

02:38 for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities.

02:42 That's why amid the discussion, a lawmaker asked, "How can the PCSO assure there is no

02:47 favoritism when granting assistance to local government units or institutions?"

02:52 "We assure the honorable members of this committee that there is prudence in deciding.

02:59 As I mentioned earlier, your honor, we vet the request primarily based on the date we

03:05 received the communication.

03:07 Second is the eligibility of the municipality or the institution being endorsed."

03:14 Meanwhile, apart from the PCSO, several officials from the Commission on Higher Education also

03:19 faced a budget hearing today.

03:21 Melales Moras for The Nation.