The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday, Oct. 23, filed charges against the people behind four companies allegedly managing unauthorized online lottery operations in the country.

"Hindi tayo nagbibiro. Kakasuhan at ipakukulong natin ang lahat ng may kaugnayan sa iligal na operasyong ito para mahinto na ang kalokohan nila," PCSO General Manager Mel Robles said in a statement.

Eplayment Corporation, Paymero Technologies Limited, GlobalComRCI International, and Blockchain Smart-Tech Co. I.T. Consultancy were charged with Usurpation of Authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, a violation of R.A. No. 1169, as amended.

PSCO said these firms also allegedly violated the Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, in connection with Executive Order No. 13, Series of 2017.

Robles stated that the companies were engaged in the “ownership, operation, and administration of Pakilotto and Surelotto,” exploiting PCSO’s government-sanctioned lottery games by soliciting bets from the public through unapproved mobile applications and websites.

"The PCSO is fully committed to ensuring that those involved face the appropriate legal consequences for their actions," he added.

The probe by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) showed the following:

• Eplayment, operating under the defunct website “Pakilotto” solicited bets for P30 per ticket with a 50 percent markup from the standard P20 lotto ticket.

• Surelotto also solicited P25 per ticket.

• GlobalComRCI and Blockchain Smart-Tech had an agreement with Eplayment and Paymero to use the latter’s software programs and process payments and financial account information.

"PCSO remains fully committed to preserving the integrity and legitimacy of its lottery games, ensuring fair treatment and protection for the public," Robles said.

He further claimed that these legal actions would be a “stern warning” against those involved in illegal activities, emphasizing that PCSO would work hard to keep a secure and trusted lottery experience for their patrons.