NANCY TO PNP: STOP WASTING TIME CLOSING LOTTO OUTLETS
...says put highest priority in hunting down criminals, murder suspects

Sen. Nancy Binay today called the attention of the Philippine National Police to stop wasting man hours and resources in closing down lotto outlets and instead redirect their energies to more important police matters.

According to Binay, something is off track with the PNP's order to launch a nationwide crackdown against STL collectors and closure of lotto betting stations.

"Instead of wasting their time in closing down lotto outlets, bakit di nila pagdiskitahan habulin at hulihin ang mga nasa wanted list nila, o yung mga insidente ng patayan sa Negros? Mobilizing the police force to quell gambling activities over investigating deaths of unarmed civilians only shows the PNP's misplaced sense of priority," the senator pointed out.

On Saturday (July 27), police operatives nationwide had their hands full closing down lotto betting stations across the country upon the order of the President.

Citing massive corruption, President Duterte ordered a stop to all gaming platforms with franchises, licenses or permits issued by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

"Sa totoo lang, offline na lahat ng lotto outlets at na-shutdown na ang main servers noong Biyernes pa lang. Kaya, there's no point for police operatives to padlock non-operational betting stations that are already out of business. Medyo overkill at OA na yun," Binay stated.

Malacanang said the President is set to unmask the people behind the alleged corruption in the PCSO in "due time" and that "the full force of the law will come crushing down on them."

"Please veer away from the theatrics. Let the full force of the law crush down on hardened criminals, drug lords, and murderers. Ano ba ang kailangan mas i-prioritize ng PNP--ang pag-padlock ng lotto outlets, o pagsugpo ng krimen? Place the highest priority on going after criminals," added Binay.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde directed all police regional offices nationwide to launch a massive crackdown against illegal gambling and arrest anyone who will continue to engage in illegal acts.

The PNP said over 5,000 PCSO lotto outlets have been marked with closure notices.