WINNING | PCSO rides governance surge as revenues, reforms rise

Insider Spotlight

• PCSO posts 100.63 percent in 2024 GOCC evaluation
• Outperforms MCIAA, Pagcor in governance metrics
• Strong financials, operations, and GAD compliance lift score
• Momentum builds after three consecutive years of major gains

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is accelerating its transformation into one of the government’s most efficiently run enterprises, fueled by rising revenues, tightened governance systems, and a multi-year turnaround that has quietly reshaped its performance trajectory.

Why it matters

PCSO’s ascent highlights how a decades-old institution, long defined by its lottery operations, is reinventing itself through modern governance reforms while channeling billions into public health and disaster relief.

The agency clinched the highest score among government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in the Governance Commission for GOCCs’ (GCG) 2024 performance evaluation, posting a 100.63-percent rating and edging out the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (100.16 percent) and PAGCOR (99.92 percent).

Driving the numbers

• The GCG’s rigorous Performance Evaluation System rewarded PCSO’s progress in financial management, operational efficiency, and human capital development.
• Revenues surged to P62.3 billion last year, enabling P4.2 billion in charity allocations to PhilHealth and other health beneficiaries.
• The agency earned an additional point for full compliance with the Magna Carta of Women through expanded Gender and Development programs.

PCSO leaders accepted the recognition on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 during the GCG Awards.

“No greater drive exists for us than pouring heart into charity,” general manager Melquiades Robles said. “This fuels us to dig deeper, fostering excellence for every Filipino.”

By the numbers

PCSO’s turnaround, based on GCG ratings:

• 2021: 56.3 percent
• 2022: 92.03 percent (Most improved GOCC)
• 2023: 98.01 percent (Top 10 GOCC)
• 2024: 100.63 percent (Top performer)

The performance leap was bolstered by back-to-back recognitions, including the Philippine Commission on Women’s 2024 GAD Award and first runner-up in the Freedom of Information (FOI) Champions.

Robles also emerged as a finalist for GCG’s Leadership Award.

The big picture

PCSO’s governance momentum supports its expanding frontline work — from delivering patient transport vehicles and medical equipment to hospitals to streamlining financial aid for thousands of indigent patients and mounting rapid-response assistance during calamities.

What’s next

With governance scores now at historic highs, the challenge shifts to sustaining performance while scaling charity programs — a test that could determine whether PCSO’s transformation holds as pressures on public health financing continue to rise.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas