Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Public hearings on STL sought
TO FINALLY come to settle the question whether to allow the operation of government-sanctioned gambling in Benguet, the City Council decided to hold a public hearing on the proposal to conduct the test run of small-town lottery (STL) here.
Councilors Richard Cariño and Rocky Thomas Balisong said to avoid suspicion a public hearing could help the council decide whether to approve or disapprove the proposal.
"Damn if you do, damn if you don't," Cariño said who pointed out that if the council approves a test-run, this will be interpreted by some sectors as favoring gambling, while if not, this is also interpreted they favor jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling to pervade Baguio City.
Scheduled at 9 a.m. on June 17 at the City Council's session hall, the proponents, people against and for government-sanctioned gambling will be invited to the consultation.
Jaime Mangahas, president of Green 2 Corporation, requested the council to pass a resolution authorizing the conduct of test-runs for the government-sanctioned STL on April 14.
Mangahas also asked the council to include in the resolution that the corporation he manages be recommended to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to conduct the test-runs here.
In 2005, several groups attempted to conduct STL operations here, but anti-gambling advocacy groups as well as former mayor Braulio Yaranon issued statements that they will oppose actual operations.
Last year, attempts were also made to operate STL in the city but the proposal did not materialize because of the campaign period.
The PB has asked the PCSO not to issue any franchise for the operation of STL in the province.
This move came even as the Benguet League of Municipalities (LMP) manifested its willingness to allow the numbers game.
The LMP, in a resolution, said it has no objection to the conduct of an experimental STL in the province.
The PB, however, did not concur with the LMP, saying it failed to attach the endorsement of the barangay and town councils.
Vice Governor Crescencio Pacalso said the PB could reconsider its stand and allow STL provided the LMP shows proof that consultations with the barangays were done and endorsed by the local government units.
"But in the meantime, we asked the PCSO not to approve any franchise for STL without any endorsement from the PB," Pacalso said.
PB members, in a resolution, said the LMP failed to submit municipal council resolutions endorsing the STL, terms and conditions of the operation and minutes of consultations held.
They also said the LMP should have specified if it is not opposing the conduct of experimental STL in their respective municipalities and not in the province as a whole. (JC/RO)
