A returning migrant worker who built a neighborhood store after years abroad is now P25,187,181.56 richer, having matched all six numbers in the Super Lotto 6/49 using a combination drawn from the dates his departed loved ones passed away.
The 44-year-old bettor, who previously worked in Saudi Arabia, picked 11-20-12-36-44-26 for the August 4, 2026 draw — figures tied to the death anniversaries of people close to him. He came to the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong with his wife at his side to collect the winnings, and the couple described the payout as the start of something new for their household.
Much of what the winner intends to do with the money circles back to the family he has been trying to provide for. He said part of the prize is set aside for his children’s schooling, so that his kids can finish their education and chase what they want in life.
The rest of his plans lean on the business he already runs. Since coming home from the Gulf, he has been operating a sari-sari store, and he wants to pour resources into growing it — a bigger operation, he hopes, will mean steadier earnings for those depending on him.
PCSO uses the occasion to remind bettors of the rules attached to winning. Prize money above P10,000 carries a 20 percent final tax under current law, and any Lotto winnings left unclaimed a full year after the draw date are forfeited.
