PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Mel Robles has been elected vice chairman of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association, making him the first Filipino to assume the leadership role in the regional lottery organization.
With a two-year term to run until 2028, GM Robles was elected during the 2026 APLA General Assembly held September 1–4, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea.
The election marks another historic milestone for the Philippines in the international lottery sector, following Robles’ 2024 appointment as the first Filipino elected to the APLA Executive Committee during the association’s Regional Conference in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Under Robles’ leadership, PCSO advanced from Level 1 to Level 3 accreditation under the World Lottery Association’s Responsible Gaming Framework in a record three years—a notable achievement among APLA members.
The feat demonstrates how the agency has translated its commitment to responsible gaming into structured programs, player-protection measures, and internationally aligned practices, said GM Mel, a long-time friend of mine and brother of my great mentor – my ‘Kumpadre’ being my daughter’s godfather, and ex-Manila Standard editor-in-chief Jojo Robles.
“This isn’t only a personal honor but, more importantly, a recognition of the Philippines and the meaningful work being undertaken by PCSO.”
“Through this position, we hope to contribute more actively to regional cooperation, responsible gaming, innovation, and the use of lottery revenues to uplift communities,” he told Good Riddance.
Founded in 2000, APLA is one of five regional associations of the World Lottery Association. It represents lottery operators and industry partners from the Asia-Pacific region, providing a platform for members to exchange knowledge and share best practices.
Robles’ election gives the Philippines a stronger voice in discussions on responsible gaming, technological innovation, lottery security, industry integrity, and the use of lottery funds for public benefit.
It also opens further opportunities for PCSO to learn from international best practices and share its experience as a government lottery institution with a charitable and social mandate.
According to the top PCSO official, its revenues help finance medical assistance, health programs, mandatory contributions to national government initiatives, support for local government units, and aid to communities affected by calamities and emergencies.
