Online Lotto ads face backlash as Philippine government clamps down
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation into an online lottery app accused of misusing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) logo and materials in its advertisements.
The app, called PCSO Lotto Online Award, and its affiliated Facebook page Online Lotto, are alleged to have used photos from a DILG event for promotional purposes without authorisation.
The images in question were taken during the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance award ceremony, which is completely unrelated to the lottery. Authorities stressed that the use of these materials is being used to mislead the public into associating the app with official government programmes.
The PNPs Anti-Cybercrime Group is now leading the investigation to identify those responsible. The incident has sparked calls for stricter regulation and vigilance to prevent the misuse of government symbols in online platforms.
Meta to take further action
The DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla condemned the misuse, describing it as malicious and unrelated to the apps activities. He stated that the incident has also been reported to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for further action against the unauthorised posts.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which operates legitimate lotteries to support government projects, clarified that it is not linked to the implicated app. The app is managed by Pacific Online Systems Corporation, which oversees PCSOs digital lottery platforms.
Furthermore, this action by the Filipino authorities comes as the government has escalated its efforts to dismantle illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) amid growing concerns over associated criminal activities. Authorities report that approximately 80 percent of the 400 identified POGO hubs have ceased operations, with a nationwide shutdown completed in December 2024.
In November 2024, Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 banning all POGOs and offshore gaming operations nationwide. The order mandated the closure of these entities by 31st December 2024, with all licenses issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) deemed cancelled by that date.
Philippines’ crackdown on POGO continues?
The crackdown was prompted by numerous reports linking POGOs to serious crimes, including human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and financial fraud. These issues have been prevalent since the industry’s rapid expansion in 2016.
Despite the ban, reports indicate that dozens of POGOs remain operational. Authorities have announced plans to intensify operations in January to eliminate any remaining illegal POGO activities.
The government is also focusing on the deportation of foreign workers involved in illegal POGO operations. Efforts have been intensified to deport over 11,000 foreign nationals associated with these illicit activities.?
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