PBBM says rice supply can last even after El Niño phenomenon

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos

Jr. assured that the country’s rice stockpile could last even after the El Niño phenomenon next year. His assurance came after he met with industry players led by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) and the Philippine Rice Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday.

“The rice situation is manageable and stable. There is enough rice for the Philippines up to and after the El Niño next year,” Mr. Marcos, who also serves as head of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said.

The El Niño phenomenon might persist until the first quarter of 2024, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier said.

The President convened the meeting to discuss with stakeholders the status of the rice industry and measures to ensure sufficient rice supply in the country, Presidential Communications

Bulacan bettor wins P5.9m Lotto jackpot

A BETTOR from Bulacan won the jackpot prize of P5.9 million in the Lotto 6/42 draw on July 4.

The individual’s winning ticket, with the combination 10-19-31-2718-25, ensured the lucky bettor of his dream house, he said.

The bettor said he has been a loyal patron since the start of the Lotto in 1995. He revealed that he had won five digits twice in his life as well as four and three digits several times, out of the winning six digits.

He added that it was “thrilling to witness that all of the numbers in his winning combination were drawn and in the PCSO’s live stream on Facebook.”

The bettor also said he trusts the PCSO Lotto draws and that in 20 years he was never disheartened.

He claimed his winnings, totaling P5,940,000.00, at the PCSO Main Office in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, on July 7.

Under the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, prizes above P10,000.00 are subject to a 20% final tax.

All winnings should be claimed within one year from the date of the draw or otherwise be forfeited to form part of the charity fund in accordance with the PCSO Charter (Republic Act No. 1169).