PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Melquiades A. Robles has made history after being elected Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association (APLA), becoming the first Filipino to hold the regional leadership position.
Robles was elected during the 2026 APLA General Assembly held from September 1 to 4 in Seoul, South Korea. He will serve a two-year term ending in 2028.
The election marks a major international milestone for the Philippines. Robles previously became the first Filipino elected to the APLA Executive Committee in September 2024 during the association’s conference in Hanoi, Vietnam.
His promotion to vice chairman underscores growing regional recognition of the PCSO’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and ethical operations.
Under Robles’ guidance, the PCSO achieved Level 3 accreditation under the World Lottery Association’s Responsible Gaming Framework in just three years—a record feat among APLA members.
The agency demonstrated its dedication through structured player-protection programs, dedicated resources, and internationally aligned ethical standards.
“This is not only a personal honor but, more importantly, a recognition of the Philippines and the meaningful work being undertaken by PCSO,” Robles stated.
“Through this position, we hope to contribute more actively to regional cooperation, responsible gaming, innovation, and the use of lottery revenues to uplift communities,” added Robles.
Founded in 2000, APLA represents 21 full members from 12 countries and 26 associate members globally.
As a regional body of the World Lottery Association, it provides a collaborative platform for lottery operators to share best practices, security standards, and public-benefit strategies.
Robles’ leadership role grants the Philippines a stronger voice in shaping regional lottery policy and technological innovation.
It also reinforces the PCSO’s core mandate of channeling lottery proceeds into healthcare, disaster relief, and social services.
The 2026 assembly centered on the theme “Sustainable Gaming and Innovation, New Trends,” gathering industry leaders to address responsible gaming policies and emerging operational technologies.
