Bankrupt contractor wins P102.7-M Superlotto jackpot

MANILA, Philippines — A bankrupt contractor has taken home P102.7 million after he hit the jackpot prize during the Superlotto 6/49 draw last week.

The 37-year-old businessman from Batangas and father of two children claimed his winnings at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office the day after he won the jackpot on Sept. 20.

A regular bettor since 1998, the winner told Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, PCSO general manger, who  handed over him the check, that he was so close to having a heart attack upon learning he won the jackpot.

“It was an answered prayer, sir,” the winner said.

Rojas said the contactor previously suffered losses in his construction business that he had to mortgage his houses and other property with the bank to be able to pay some of his debts.

Before the Sept. 20 lotto draw, the winner and his wife went to a nearby church to pray. “When they came out, they asked each other what were their prayers. Both of them answered ‘Sana manalo kami sa lotto'” Rojas said.

That day, the contractor picked the winning numbers- 22-11-17-23-43-12 — based on the birth dates of family members and his pure guess.

The winner said he would use the money to pay off his debts and reopen his bankrupt construction business.