A Cebuano resident has claimed the P109,545,674.80 jackpot prize from the MegaLotto 6/49 drawn on Sunday, 23 February. The winning numbers are 40-34-32-26-21-12.

The fortunate winner, a dedicated lottery player for 41 years, spanning both traditional sweepstakes and lotto games, purchased his winning ticket in advance, at a lotto outlet in Cebu City.

He remained unaware of his win until Tuesday, 25 February when he attempted to replay the same numbers. A lotto teller informed him that the numbers had already been declared the winning combination. He and his wife then hurriedly checked the tickets he purchased in advance, confirming his win.

He plans to invest his newfound wealth in expanding their existing family contracting business, ensuring a secure future for his loved ones.

Claiming the jackpot requires the winner to present their original, signed ticket and two valid government-issued IDs. As per the TRAIN Law, a 20 percent tax is deducted from prizes exceeding P10,000. Winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prizes. Unclaimed winnings will be forfeited and added to the PCSO Charity Fund, supporting various charitable programs. 

Meanwhile, the PCSO has provided a total of P2.3 million in financial assistance to three non-government institutions dedicated to caring for abandoned, neglected, and surrendered children. The ceremonial turnover was held 24 February at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City.

PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles personally handed over the donation checks, each amounting to P1,000,000 to Sr. Martha Gamolo, Administrator of Hospicio de San Jose, Inc., and Mely Reluya, Center Administrator of White Cross Inc. Melanie Alog, Executive Director of Alay Pag-Asa Christian Foundation Inc., received the P300,000 in financial aid. TDT