MANDALUYONG CITY — A long-time lotto patron proved that calculated risks could pay off after winning the ₱49,195,100.40 jackpot of the Lotto 6/42 by playing a System 9 bet, which was deemed an unusual strategy as bettors typically wager on the standard six-number combination.
The winner personally claimed his prize at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Main Office in Mandaluyong City on December 23, 2025, following the December 16 draw that yielded the winning numbers 15-19-24-41-42-05. The lucky ticket was purchased at a lotto outlet along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City, Rizal.
Unlike the usual six-number play, the System 9 option allows a player to select nine numbers in a single ticket, generating multiple combinations and increasing the chances of winning. In this case, the bettor said only two of the numbers were his longtime “alaga,” while the rest were randomly chosen, an approach he believes helped tip the odds in his favor.
A veteran of the game since lotto’s early days in the Philippines, the winner recalled a previous success in 2008, when he hit five of six numbers on a System 8 bet in the Super Lotto 6/49, earning an estimated ₱184,000.00. He noted that his notable wins have consistently come from system plays.
For now, the jackpot winner said he plans to deposit his prize and later channel it into expanding the family business.
Asked about his number-selection technique, he shared that inspiration often comes from everyday encounters, such as car plate numbers, clock times, and receipt serials, believing they carry purpose and luck.
“Totoo po ang lotto, may nananalo at isa po ako sa patunay,” he stressed.
PCSO reminded the public that to claim prizes, winners must sign the back of the winning ticket, present two valid government-issued IDs, and personally claim their prize at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City. Prizes exceeding ₱10,000 are subject to a 20% tax under the TRAIN Law. Jackpot prizes must be claimed within one year from the draw date, as mandated by Republic Act No. 1169; otherwise, unclaimed prizes are forfeited to the PCSO Charity Fund, which supports health and welfare programs nationwide.
The Lotto 6/42 draws are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:00 p.m., and are broadcast live on IBC-13, D8TV, and the PCSO Games Online Hub Facebook page.
“Sa Bawat Taya, May Kawanggawa”
