Banaue junks proposed lottery station

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

BANAUE, Ifugao – Councilors gunned down a proposed lottery house in town.

Physician Romando Cumahling proposed a creation and operation of a Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in the municipality. The proposed site would be the Diagan’s resident in Marker–Poblacion.

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Councilor William Mamanglo expressed the proposal of Cumahling aims to minimize the existence of various illegal gambling activities in the locality.

He said the plans of PCSO for a proposed lottery house would benefit the residents in terms of livelihood.

Cumahling is asking an endorsement from the legislative body because it is a requisite for the PCSO procedures.

However, despite these positive views of Mamanglo, his colleagues disapproved the proposal.

“I think no need for us to make a resolution endorsing the proposal because this is a private business. Cumahling would just proceed to the permits,” said Councilor Jun Kindipan Dumar.

He said if they will be endorsing the application, it will imply the council is into gambling whether legal or illegal.

Councilor Hygelac Cayong seconded Dumar’s stand. “It’s not necessary to get our endorsement. If we will endorse the application for operation, it will be as if we are endorsing the business.”

The argument heated and most of the councilors directed more questions for Mamanglo.

Mamanglo reiterated PCSO requires Cumahling to seek an endorsement from the council before he will be allowed to have a franchise.

“Whether or not private or family business, if we will approve the proposal, we will be helping this town on livelihood because the government cannot provide enough livelihood for the people,” Mamanglo said.

He added that bets would also accrue to government because PCSO is a government-owned business.

The owner would not get any money from it. The only purpose of Cumahling is to legalize and minimize illegal gambling in the town, Mamanglo said.

Councilor Agustin challenged Mamanglo to present legal document of PCSO on the requisite they set on the endorsement process to make sure the information is accurate.

The council as headed by Vice Mayor Fermin Haclao deferred the matter for further presentation of legal documents. The council also requested the presence of Cumahling in their next session for him to answer the questions of the councilors. (Rubyloida Bitog)