Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 9026

Introduced by HON. DANILO E. SUAREZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 1 Par. (2) of the Republic Act No. 9287 states that:

“Hence, the State hereby condemns the existence of illegal gambling activities such as illegal

numbers games as this has become an influential factor in an individual's disregard for the value
of dignified work, perseverance and thrift since instant monetary gains from it are being equated

to success, thereby becoming a widespread social menace and a source of corruption.”

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is mandated by law to operate,
regulate, authorize, and license casino gaming, which includes games of numbers, games of chance, and
games of cards, in the Philippines. it serves as a partner of the government in the generation of funds for its

nation-building programs.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is mandated under RA 1169 to raise funds for
national charity, and health and welfare programs through gaming. PCSO regulates the nationwide operations

of legally recognized numbers games, the Philippine Lottery Game (Lotto) and the Small Town Lottery (STL)

Despite the existence of Lotto and STL, and despite having stiffer penalties a

inst ilegal operators,
illegal numbers games continue to proliferate. The government loses up to Php 20 billion annually due to the
persistence of illegal gambling syndicates; hence, the need to legislate a law to recognize the Lotto and STL as

the only legal numbers games in the Philippines.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

Danilo E. Suarez
Representative
3rd District, Quezon Province

—


wan

10

uw
12

3
14
15
16

wv
18

19

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

souse sit oo O2E

Introduced by HON. DANILO E. SUAREZ

‘AN ACT DECLARING THE PCSO LOTTERY “PHILIPPINE LOTTO" AND SMALL TOWN LOTTERY THE SOLELY
RECOGNIZED LEGAL NUMBERS GAME

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Ti

‘This act shall be known as “The Unitary Numbers Game"

SEC.2. Declaration of Official Recognition - It is hereby declared that the Philippine Charity
‘Sweepstakes Office Lottery Game, also known as the Philippine Lotto, and the Small Town Lottery are the
only legally recognized numbers games nationwide.

SEC. 3 Implementing Rules and Regulations - Within 60 days from the effectivity of this Act, the
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local
Government, shall jointly promulgate and publish the Implementing Rules and Regulations, as may be
necessary to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 4, Repeating Clause ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and issuances or
parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause - If for any reason any section or provision of this Act, or any portion
thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion thereof to any person, group or
circumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions of this Act shall not be
affected by such declaration and shall remain in force and effect,

SEC. 6. Effectivity ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in any two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines, whichever comes earlier.

Approved.

i