Manila  - A fugitive, wanted for allegedly raping his housemaid more than a year ago, was arrested in an eastern city while placing a bet in the Philippines biggest lottery jackpot ever, a police report said Saturday.

The report said Ariel Ayque, 52, was arrested late Friday while placing his bet in a lottery outlet in Naga City, 200 kilometres south-east of Manila.

Ayque was accused of raping his housemaid in November 2007 and a local judge issued a warrant for his arrest in March 2008, it said.

He eluded arrest until Friday, when he apparently could not resist betting in the Superlotto jackpot that is estimated to reach a staggering 320 million pesos (6.6 million dollars) by Sunday, after several winner-less draws since last month.

Millions of Filipinos are hoping and praying to hit the winning six-number combination, which they can choose from the numbers 1 to 49. Each bet costs 20 pesos and bettors can place as many bets as they want or can afford. (dpa)