MANILA, Philippines — A tropical storm battering Metro Manila and nearby provinces on Monday could not stop a 32-year-old sewer and mother of three children from going to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) from her home in Bulacan to claim the P21 million lotto jackpot.
A factory worker earning a minimum wage, the bettor won the 6/45 draw on July 18 when she picked the winning numbers 02-27-09-04-27-18, Joseph Muego, PCSO media officer, said over the phone.
“She paid P20 for the numbers which she had picked according to her children’s birthdays and ages,” Muego said.
PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand Roxas II handed out the prize to the “timid and quiet woman.”
“Perhaps she and her family had really set this date to claim the prize. Maybe, they decided not to turn back despite the storm,” Muego said.
The woman told Muego and Roxas II that she would like to buy a house and lot and save a portion of the money for business and for her children’s education.
Before the winner left the PCSO, Roxas II advised her to seek a bank’s advice on what to do to her money.
“And, also help the needy,” Roxas II was quoted as saying.