Friday, October 20, 2006 Seares: Betting on CICC By Pachico A. Seares News Sense
THIS isn't the time to talk about evil of gambling: about it being, says my preacher, "child of avarice, brother of iniquity, and father of mischief."
Not the time to cite the illegal gambling law. No cause of action, says Cebu City fiscal Nick Sellon. At least not now, when architect Maning Guanzon's offer of P1.5M bet on the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) still has to meet ex-senator Sonny Osmeña's terms.
But let's ask, why the betting?
Maning must desperately want to be believed in his and Capitol's claim CICC will be built on time.
Maning isn't betting for the money or by compulsion. It must be faith in CICC (though the building is anything but a slot machine). And maybe to get even at unbelievers.
Stand and shine
But what's wrong with people believing only in what they see? No fight over credibility here. It's not about religious faith, when even the risen Christ has to show his wounds to "faithless" Thomas.
On Aug. 30, Sun.Star said, "Public skepticism may even encourage the builders to work harder. Let the disbelief goad them to meet the deadline."
And not rush to the betting table.
Gambling, it is said, is like diving into an empty swimming pool; chances of hitting bottom are about the same.
Whatever happens to bettors, let CICC stand and shine on Nov. 15, complete to the last door knob and rest room, ready for the Big Show.
