HANOI — Melquiades Robles, General Manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), has been elected to the executive committee of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) during the 2024 APLA Regional Conference held from September 2 to 5 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
According to Philippines News Agency, Robles expressed gratitude for his election, noting that it reflects regional recognition of the PCSO’s reforms and enhancements that have boosted revenues and expanded charitable initiatives. The PCSO’s improved financial health has notably increased its contributions to public welfare programs targeting the impoverished sectors of society.
APLA, established in 2000 during the World Lottery Association Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, serves as a collaborative body for lottery operators and suppliers across the Asia Pacific, aiming to promote ethical gaming practices and efficient operation among its members. It also holds a seat on the Executive Committee of the World Lottery Association, highlighting its influential role in global lottery governance.
The newly elected officers, including Robles—who is the first Filipino elected to this prestigious position—will serve until the next Annual General Assembly in September 2026. The executive slate features Chairperson Michael Fitzsimons of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Vice Chairperson Lam Chee Weng of Singapore Pools, along with other distinguished members from Japan, India, French Polynesia, and New Zealand.
Robles previously discussed the strategic initiatives of the PCSO during an interview with Patrick Kinghorn of Pronet Gaming Asia at the SiGMA Asia 2024 tour in Manila, where he highlighted significant fiscal reforms including tax cuts for gaming winners, and the PCSO’s strategic expansion into online gaming.
The PCSO’s financial contributions have been substantial, with PHP6.7 billion disbursed as mandatory government contributions, PHP5.4 billion allocated to Universal Health Care through PhilHealth, and PHP627.8 million to the Commission on Higher Education over the past two years. Additionally, PHP576.2 million was distributed to local government units for the operation of lotto activities.
Moreover, the PCSO has amplified its corporate social responsibility efforts, especially in response to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, aiming to bolster its support for affected communities.