Tickets bought in Cavite, Iloilo win P29.7-M lotto jackpot

MANILA – Two bettors from different regions became instant millionaires after hitting the P29.7-million jackpot of the Grand Lotto 6/55 on Monday night.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), in an advisory Tuesday, said the bettors guessed the winning combination, 28-32-12-09-18-50, and will split the prize money.

The winning tickets were bought in Bacoor City, Cavite and Iloilo City.

Winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim the prize, as specified in Republic Act 1169 or the law on PCSO lotteries.

All jackpot prizes must be claimed at the PCSO main office on Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

Winners must write their names and signature on the back of the winning tickets and present two government-issued identification cards or documents.

Lotto winnings of more than P10,000 are subject to 20 percent tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

The Grand Lotto 6/55 is drawn every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Meanwhile, the PCSO reported that it has released P31.5 million in medical assistance to a total of 4,893 eligible beneficiaries nationwide from May 15 to 19.

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 include 659 indigents from the National Capital Region who received P7.8 million worth of assistance; 1,168 from Northern and Central Luzon who were given P7.6 million; and 1,389 from the Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region who received P6.5 million.

In the Visayas, 853 individuals were provided with P4.9 million in medical aid while 824 in Mindanao received P4.4 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.

PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles urged the public to support the agency's gaming products in order 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. (PNA)