The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) could have remitted higher dividends to the government had the authorities been successful in neutralizing illegal gambling operations in the country. 

PCSO General Manager Mel Robles issued the statement shortly after the agency was recently recognized by President Ferdinand Marcos for its significant contribution to the national treasury.

The recognition was given during the 2024 Government-Owned or Controlled Corporation's Day held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

This, as the PCSO earlier turned over to the national treasury a dividend contribution of P2,684,933,915.10. The amount represents a significant increase from its 2022 dividend contribution of P2,665,701,213.78. 

In 2023, PCSO achieved a notable revenue of P61.45 billion, marking a seven-percent rise from the total gaming revenue of P57.467 billion in 2022.

“We have been working very hard to raise as much revenue as we can, so that we can hand higher remittances to the national treasury which the government could use in its socio-economic initiatives, and high priority programs,” he said.

He continued: “However, our goal is being stymied by the proliferation of illegal gambling operators who were using the PCSO-sanctioned games to line their pockets while greatly affecting our potential earnings.”