THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has turned over more than P9 million to the country’s anti-illegal drug campaign for the first quarter of 2023.
“Bilang bahagi ng mandato natin, nakapagbigay tayo ng P9,636,539.40 sa Dangerous Drugs Board para makatulong sa pagsustento sa kanilang kampanya kontra sa droga (As part of our mandate, we have remitted P9,636,539.40 to the Dangerous Drugs Board to fund their anti-narcotics drive),” PCSO chairman Junie E. Cua said.
The amount is part of the agency’s mandatory contributions to various institutions.
The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165) requires the PCSO to remit to the DDB 10 percent of all unclaimed and forfeited sweepstakes and lotto prizes, but not less than P12 million per year.
The law further provides that at least 50 percent of all the funds shall be reserved for assistance to government-owned and/or operated rehabilitation centers.
“Illegal drugs remain a serious issue that threatens our people. This is why the PCSO is proud that we can contribute towards efforts to eradicate this threat,” Cua said.
Cua expressed hope that the PCSO’s contribution would help in the establishment of more drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation facilities across the country.
Last year, the agency turned over a total of P39,332,279.10 to the DDB.
