Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Melquiades A. Robles made history after being elected Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association (APLA), becoming the first Filipino to hold the prestigious leadership position in the regional lottery organization.
Robles was elected during the 2026 APLA General Assembly, held from September 1 to 4 in Seoul, South Korea. He will serve a two-year term until 2028.
His election follows another milestone in September 2024, when Robles became the first Filipino elected to the APLA Executive Committee.
The appointment reflects the growing recognition of the Philippines and PCSO’s commitment to transparency, integrity, responsible gaming, and ethical lottery operations. Under Robles’ leadership, PCSO advanced from Level 1 to Level 3 accreditation under the World Lottery Association’s Responsible Gaming Framework in just three years.
Robles said his election is not only a personal honor but also a recognition of the Philippines and PCSO’s efforts to use lottery revenues to help communities and contribute to nation-building.
“Lotteries must always be operated with responsibility and a clear public purpose,” Robles said, emphasizing that lottery revenues should support healthcare assistance, social services, and other programs that improve people’s lives.
As APLA Vice Chairman, Robles will help strengthen regional cooperation on responsible gaming, technological innovation, lottery security, industry integrity, and sustainable lottery operations.
Robles’ election also gives PCSO and the Philippines a stronger voice in regional discussions while providing opportunities to share the country’s experience in using lottery revenues for public service and charitable programs.
Source: PCSO