Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Councilor apologizes for maltreating journalist By Abigail C. Malalis
THE apology was least expected, but Councilor Alfonso Goking on Tuesday apologized for maltreating TV journalist Madelyn Veluz who has pursued a story on how the office of the Cagayan de Oro Federation of Senior Citizens Association (Cafesca) was turned into "a mahjong parlor."
"This is my personal apology to Veluz and ABS-CBN. I am willing to go public with my apology," Goking told reporters during a press conference Tuesday, which was attended by a team from ABS-CBN.
Goking said he decided to issue a public apology to Veluz and ABS-CBN to put the issue "to a closure." He admitted that he got irked after Veluz came to the Cafesca office, looking for him, "for several times."
"Our playing of bingo and mahjong is duly recognized by the board of Cafesca under our board resolutions," Goking said. "If it is indeed unlawful, then we are willing to do some amendments on it. Although, I know that ignorance of the law excuses no one."
The councilor said the incident was his own doing and Cafesca is not involved in it.
Goking's apology came after the Cagayan de Oro Press Club and various media groups condemned him calling the incident as "a harassment to press freedom."
The militant Gabriela also asked the City Council to investigate Goking for berating Veluz.
Mayor Constantino Jaraula, Vice Mayor Vicente Emano, and Representative Rufus Rodriguez also added their voices of disapproval reminding Goking that he is a public official and that Cafesca office is located inside a public building in Hayes Street.
Then entire Cafesca officers and board were present during Tuesday's press conference held in the covered court of their office.
Goking admitted that he committed lapses in judgment when he donated the mahjong set and other recreational games. He said he has limited knowledge that mahjong is a regulated game by the Games and Amusement Board.
"On my personal end, I am willing to ask for public apology...though I cannot bring the whole association in doing so," Goking said.
Goking said so long as the Cafesca board approves, they would allow other games like "tare-tare (cockfighting)" to be played inside their office.
Rudy Hambre, Cafesca treasurer, backed Goking saying Cafesca members play mahjong in their office for "entertainment".
"We are playing mahjong for pure fun," Hambre said.
Presidential Decree no. 1601, promulgated on June 11, 1978, defines mahjong as "a game of chance" along with other games using plastic tiles like domino. The decree provides stiff penalties for those caught playing in public.
The Wikipedia defines mahjong as a popular parlor game, but in Asia, it is a popular game of gambling.
Art Bonjoc, ABS-CBN news chief, reminded Goking and Cafesca members that their office is located on a building owned by the city government, thus, it would be immoral for them to play mahjong inside -- notwithstanding if money changed hands.
"It is grossly immoral for members of Cafesca to allow such games for they are only setting and showcasing bad example to the younger generations," Bonjoc said. "How do we tell our grandchildren," he added.
"Hindi ibig sabihin na kung gusto ninyong magiging masaya, kahit alam ninyong masama at illegal ay okey lang kasi gusto nyo lang magiging masaya," Bonjoc said.
Only one Cafesca board member, former vice president Justiniano Bonilla, disagreed with Goking. He said mahjong games are being played inside their office almost daily.
Bonilla said non-Cafesca members are even allowed to play the game and placed their bets.
He also criticized the board for backing Goking. Bonilla said Goking appointed the board without going through an election.
