No need for Duterte to apologize for job losses over Lotto closure — Palace

MANILA, Philippines — There is no need for President Rodrigo Duterte to apologize for job losses over his decision to shut down all gaming activities of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), including Lotto.

“They should be happy that the findings of the President’s investigation showed that there is no corruption. They should rejoice on that,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo told reporters in Malacañang.

Duterte on Friday night ordered the suspension of all PCSO gaming activities over “massive corruption” in the agency.

READ: Duterte stops all PCSO gaming activities including lotto, STL

Four days after, Panelo announced that Duterte has lifted the suspension of the Lotto operations.

READ: BREAK: Suspension of Lotto operations lifted – Panelo

“Unang-una marami na rin silang kinita,” Panelo said.

On Wednesday, PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said the PCSO has lost P250 million in Lotto revenues since Duterte’s verbal order to close all PCSO gaming activities.

Panelo, however, allayed fears about revenue losses.

“Unang-una marami na rin silang kinita. Hindi naman ganoon kaano yun na wala silang kinita,” he said.

Asked if PCSO workers will expect an apology from Duterte, Panelo said, “Certainly none.”

“The work of the President is heavy enough that they should understand that it is his duty to do that. To erase any and all doubts on the regularity of these operations,” he said, explaining Duterte’s sudden verbal order.  /muf