PCSO wants ‘Peryahan‘ game halted

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has asked Philippine National Police chief, Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., to stop the operations of "Peryahan ng Bayan" and to arrest individuals involved in these illegal activities.

"We wish to seek the assistance of your good office in curbing the proliferation of the Peryahan ng Bayan numbers game which has intensified throughout the country notwithstanding the termination of its Deed of Authority by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on 16 February 2016 pursuant to Board Resolution No. 51, Series of 2016," PCSO general manager Mel Robles said in a letter dated 29 August 2022.

It was learned that Peryahan ng Bayan has resumed operations in several areas despite its suspension. According to the PSCO, peryahan operator Globaltech Mobile Online Corp. was able to initially secure from the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 161 a status quo ante order against the aforesaid termination, the Writ of Execution issued thereon, however, was actually recalled by the same court on 18 February 2020.

"Indeed, the continued operation of the Peryahan ng Bayan games is not sanctioned by the PCSO but is also outright illegal and violative of our penal laws against illegal gambling activities," Robles added.

The PCSO said Globaltech has misled law enforcement agencies by informing them of the resumption of Peryahan ng Bayan games based on the supposed implementation of the status quo ante order.

A source, who refused to be identified, claimed that some corrupt individuals were operating Peryahan ng Bayan in Calapan City, Mindoro despite clear order from the PCSO that it is no longer allowed.