Wednesday, January 14, 2009 New resolution vs lotto outlets to be passed By Rimaliza Opiña
THE Multi-Sectoral Group (MSG), a movement opposed to all forms of gambling in Baguio, is set to pass another resolution informing the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) about violations of its own rules, regarding locating outlets near schools and religious institutions.
The group's lawyer, Reynaldo Agranzamendez, was requested to draft the resolution.
Compared to the first resolution submitted to the PCSO in September last year where only the officers are the signatories, MSG convener Pastor Simplicio Dang-awan said the resolution will be signed by all members of the group.
Former President Fidel Ramos will also be furnished a copy of the resolution. Dang-awan told Sun.Star that he received information the franchisee of a lotto outlet operating near the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) is a relative of the former President.
Dang-awan said Ramos facilitated the application for a permit at the PCSO, but he might not be aware the outlet is near a church and a school.
Under rules of the PCSO, lotto outlets should at least be 200 meters away from a school or a church. However, many of the lotto outlets here are close to these institutions.
This was pointed out in the group's earlier resolution but they have yet to hear a response from the PCSO, according to Dang-awan.
Over the past few years, the number of lotto outlets has mushroomed. This prompted the filing of a proposed resolution at the City Council for the regulation of operations.
Meanwhile, the group, which is scheduled to meet on Friday, will also discuss the operation of the bingo fundraising activity sponsored by Barangay Azcko.
The bingo fund-raising started operating on December 24 last year. Surprisingly, Dang-awan, a senior pastor of the UCCP, claimed that he is not aware of the operation of this one.
The bingo is held at the back of the Igorot garden located a few meters away from the UCCP.
In an earlier interview with Barangay Azcko chairman Benjie Pinlac, he said the bingo will operate only until January 4. It was later learned the barangay extended the operation for an indefinite number of days.
Except for the order for the Public Order and Safety Division to inspect and assure children should not be allowed to play and no cash prizes should be given to winning participants, no other directive was issued by Office of the City Mayor.
