Lotto winner “edited” for security reasons – PCSO
PCSO – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has affirmed that the widely circulated photo of a lotto winner, shared on Wednesday, was edited. However, an official clarified during Thursday’s Senate Committee on Ways and Means hearing that the edits were made for security reasons.
In response to Senator Raffy Tulfo’s inquiry about the authenticity of the image featuring a PCSO official presenting a check to an alleged lotto winner, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles acknowledged the editing. He explained that in previous instances, winners had been identified by acquaintances through their clothing, prompting the need for such precautions.
Senator Tulfo questioned the controversial nature of the photo on social media, asking, “Itong picture na ito very controversial ito sa social media, edited daw ito?” Robles responded, “Yes your Honor. We have to protect the identity of the winner. Meron pong nagreklamo sa amin one time; we covered the face, eh ‘yong damit naman po ay nakilala. So nagreklamo siya, sana naman daw po ‘wag ipakita ‘yong damit, so ‘yan po ang reason niyan.”
Acknowledging that the editing of the photo was subpar, Robles admitted, “And I agree, it’s a very poor editing, pero the objective is to conceal the clothing na ma-identify sa kanya.”
Senator Tulfo sought further clarification, asking, “So ibig sabihin inaamin niyo inedit ‘to, pinalitan niyo ‘yong clothing?” Robles affirmed, “Opo, again, part po ‘yan ng pag-conceal kasi na-identify po ‘yong damit, kung at that day ‘yong mga kapit-bahay po eh nag-aano eh, ‘Oy ‘yon ‘yong suot niya or kung nakapag-selfie siya,’ ‘yong nagreklamo po sa amin favorite clothes daw kasi.”
Meanwhile, among those who reacted to the photo of the winner is none other than motivational speaker Rendon Labador. In a Facebook post, he noted: ““PCSO, niloloko ninyo ang taumbayan! (emoji) Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, mga siraulo kayong lahat na nandiyan!”
In a video, Rendon called the attention of senators and congressmen who have nothing to do to look into the matter, whereas to investigate the action of PCSO. As of press time, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has yet to issue an explanation or statement regarding the “edited” winner.
