Manila: A lone bettor from Pampanga will celebrate Valentine's Day this year a multimillionaire after hitting Wednesday night's PHP37-million Megalotto 6/45 jackpot. In an advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said the winner bought the ticket at SM Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga, and correctly guessed the winning combination of 17-15-32-45-40-12.
According to Philippines News Agency, the winner has one year to claim the PHP37,032,365.47 prize at the PCSO main office in Mandaluyong City. Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, lotto winnings worth more than PHP10,000 are subject to a 20-percent tax. Meanwhile, 13 other bettors won PHP32,000 each for guessing five out of the six winning digits; 985 will get PHP1,000 each for getting four correct digits; and 20,288 will settle for PHP30 each for getting three correct digits.
The 6/45 Megalotto is drawn every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles encouraged the public to support the agency's gaming products to raise additional revenues for health initiatives, medical services, and other national charities. Through its mandatory contributions, the PCSO not only helps people in need of medical assistance but also provides funds to government institutions.
