Filipino wins $5.9 million (₱331 million) lottery jackpot

Manila: A resident of Mandaluyong City has officially claimed the ₱331,359,271 (about $5.9 million) Grand Lotto 6/55 jackpot prize for the May 17, 2025 draw, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced on Wednesday.

The winning combination — 30-29-42-28-02-43 — was generated via the Lucky Pick system, a feature where the lotto machine automatically selects a set of random numbers.

The winner, who has been a regular bettor for the past decade, described the experience as surreal.

“I was already losing hope. I was thinking: does anybody really win in lotto? My question has been answered, and this will bring great changes in my life,” he was quoted as saying.

Despite receiving a life-changing amount, the newly minted multi-millionaire expressed a desire to give back, saying he intends to donate to an animal shelter to help provide a home for stray cats and dogs.

PCSO General Manager Mel Robles lauded the winner, not just for his perseverance, but also for his generosity.

“This is not just a story of luck, but of perseverance and compassion. It reminds us of the real-life impact of every game and every player who supports our programs,” Robles said.

PCSO reiterated that all Lotto jackpot prizes must be claimed at its main office along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

Jackpot winnings are subject to a 20% tax under current laws. To successfully claim a prize, winners must:

One year to claim prize

As outlined in Republic Act No. 1169 (the PCSO Charter), winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture.

The PCSO also reminded the public about the importance of responsible gaming and emphasised that a significant portion of its earnings supports charity programmes nationwide.