Lawmaker to oppose Loterya ng Bayan

Monday, July 18, 2011

LINGAYEN – A provincial lawmaker is contemplating filing a resolution opposing the operation of the Loterya ng Bayan in the province of Pangasinan.

But before taking any move to oppose the Loterya ng Bayan Provincial Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. has filed a resolution inviting Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Margie Juico and other concerned persons to a question hour to shed light on the upcoming entry of Loterya ng Bayan in the province.

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“Specifically we will ask those who have applied for franchise to operate. I understand there are seven of them and most of them are rich. I understand that their capital is P50 million each. The paid up capital is P12.5 million, the cash bond is P15 million to P20 million,” he said in an interview last Friday.
 
“Well, I have heard there is a Chinese-Filipino. Imagine seven interested in Pangasinan and P50 million each capital? Sino sila? I hope they are not involved in politics whether party-list or regular. Meron na daw nakakuha ng fourth, fifth and sixth districts. With the amount of money to be invested, why? Ano ang return,” he added.
 
Bince further stressed that he is opposed to PCSO managing the operation of the Loterya ng Bayan.
 
“PCSO is not a reliable agency after what happened. This might be used again to disburse funds. Loterya must not be managed by PCSO. It must be managed by an agency created by law, hindi yong board who will determine what to do. The operation of Loterya ng Bayan must be coordinated with Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation),” he said.
 
Bince said President Benigno Aquino III should remove all gambling efforts.
 
“Ano ba ito, pera pera na lang. Tama na. Matuwid na daan pero he is creating sources of corruption. All of these must be governed by a congressional act. Hindi pwedeng board resolution lang,” he added.