Man's numbers hit lotto jackpot after his death

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of a will or an estate, a dying man left his wife and niece a number combination in December last year, which hit the jackpot prize of the 6/42 regular online lotto game during the March 3 draw.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II announced yesterday that the 52-year-old widow and her niece each claimed P6,517,030 as their share of the P19,551,096 jackpot prize of the March 3 6/42 draw, which was also won by a vendor from Pasig City.

The winning combination 41-23-33-22-05-42 was initially maintained by the late husband, with the thought of paying their debts and repairing their home that was damaged by tropical storm “Ondoy” in 2009.

A lingering ailment sent the man to the hospital.

While in confinement, the husband religiously bet on the numbers and on his deathbed told his wife and 33-year-old niece that his last wish was for them to continue placing bets on it because he was certain that his prayers would be answered.

Both women were surprised to see each other at the PCSO central office when they claimed their prize.

“It was a pleasant surprise for both winners, they embraced each other,” Rojas said.