STATE prosecutors have formally filed criminal charges before the Caloocan Regional Trial Court against the teller and registered operator of an authorized lottery outlet in Caloocan City.
The indictment follows a joint entrapment operation conducted last week by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, which uncovered the illegal use of a legitimate government franchise to run an underground numbers racket.
The Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office charged the teller with violating Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Section 3(b) of Republic Act No. 9287, which penalizes illegal numbers games.
According to the criminal Information, the teller actively participated in an unauthorized numbers game designated as “TWO.”
Investigators stated that the suspect collected illicit bets and issued counterfeit tickets using unauthorized equipment behind the counter of the accredited lotto booth, operating on behalf of the establishment’s principal operator.
The teller is currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation Detention Facility. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the registered lotto agent, who remains at large.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles emphasized that fast-tracking the court case demonstrates the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward accredited partners collaborating with criminal syndicates.
He stressed that exploiting a government-issued lotto franchise as a front for underground gambling is a direct betrayal of public trust.
Robles further noted that funds diverted by fake tickets deprive vulnerable citizens of crucial medical assistance and charity programs supported by legal lottery revenues, warning that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
The case originated from a joint sting operation on November 4 along Camarin Road in Almar, North Caloocan.
Operatives discovered that the outlet was issuing fraudulent betting tickets with non-functional QR codes and inconsistent security features, while accepting bets through cash and digital payments instead of standard PCSO terminal lines.
In light of the incident, the PCSO reiterated its strict warning to franchise holders nationwide.
Participating in off-the-books betting carries severe penalties, including the automatic revocation of licenses, the forfeiture of terminal equipment, and aggressive criminal prosecution.