Police Authorities Arrest Pinoy Rapper Tipsy D. for Running Illegal Online Raffles
The Pinoy rapper Tipsy D. was placed behind bars for allegedly running online raffles offering large amounts of prizes for lucky winners.
In previous years, online raffles have spread over social media, attracting players with the appeal of high prizes and a low entry fee. These digital contests are gaining large followings, but the industry’s lack of regulation has prompted government officials to express concern.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed concerns about the lack of proper oversight in this industry.
Recently, the Filipino rap artist Mark Kevin ‘Tipsy D’ Andrade was arrested for running an illegal online raffle. His unregistered raffles raised questions about their legitimacy in the eyes of the government.
On October 20, 2023, Andrade was seen drawing numbers for one of his online raffles when members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) unexpectedly arrived and ordered them to lie down.
The rapper reportedly promised participants a chance to win a brand-new SUV and pickup truck, adding to the growing interest in his controversial operations.
DTI emphasized that online raffles could potentially be legalized if they adhere to specific regulations. Such contests must be appropriately registered under Section 1, Rule XII, and Section 2, Rule XIII of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
The PNP claimed that their steps were taken to protect those who might be tempted by online raffles without adequate management.
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“Walang mga license to. Bakit ba pinagbabawal ng batas kapag wala kang license? Basically because wala kang hahabulin,” PNP said.
The arrest of Tipsy D. shows the ongoing debate regarding the legality of online raffles in the Philippines.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the rapper’s arrest:
