GrandLotto winner from Bataan claims half of jackpot

Two winners, one betting in Bataan, the other in Southern Leyte, hit Wednesday night’s Grand Lotto 6/55 winning combination 25-52-26-05-49-17. PHOTO BY RICK ALBERTO

MANILA, Philippines—A jeepney driver from Bataan, who only had money for his and his wife’s bus tickets in his pocket, has claimed half of the P300-million jackpot, which he and another bettor won during  Wednesday’s GrandLotto draw, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office said Friday.

The 52-year-old father of three is now a multi-millionaire after he took home his share worth P149.95 million.

The computer system for the Wednesday’s 6/55 draw showed the winning combination–25-52-26-05-49-17–which the Bataan bettor and another from Southern Leyte got right.

A regular bettor since 1995, the winner based his P80 bet on the birthdates and ages of those in his family, PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II said.

Rojas, who handed over the check, said the winner came with his wife moments before the PCSO main office closed at 5 p.m. appearing jittery.

Joseph Muego, PCSO media coordinator said the couple upon learning they won the grand prize were confused on what to do on Thursday.

“The jeepney driver missed the live telecast of the lotto draw on Wednesday. So he went to the lotto outlet the following morning and learned from there that he won. In the afternoon, he and his wife hurried off to catch a bus from Bataan to Pasay City,” Muego said.

Rojas said the winner would use the money to help his siblings and relatives who, like him, were also poor before the Wednesday’s draw.

He also plans to buy a house and lot and invest in the transportation business.

On the other hand, the other winner, who bought the winning ticket from a lotto outlet in Southern Leyte, has yet to claim his share of the prize.

The chance of winning the grand prize was one in 28.99 million. Since January, five have won the GrandLotto prize.

Two lucky bettors split the more than P300 million jackpot on Feb. 23 while a lone bettor bagged P164-million  jackpot on July 4.