BAGUIO Benguet Bishop Carlito Cenzon wants to stop all E-Bingo games.
Cenzon with the members of the Baguio - Benguet Ecumenical Group (BBEG) has appealed to Mayor Maurico Domogan not to renew permits for E-bingo establishments in 2017 and advocated for family oriented tourism, honest and clean businesses, for responsible public officials and city employees and protected school children, students and families.
“We feel the City Council, by approving the issuance of permit or recommendation to PAGCOR for E-Bingo in the city are not supportive to improving the morals, health, comfort, comfort and peace in the our beloved city,” Cenzon said.
The petition was signed by former city councilor Philian Weygan Allan, Pastors Jonathan Erardo, Abraham Luis, Reylita C. Calimlim, Rev. Sharon Langbis, Dr. Milandre Rusgal, Geraldine Fiag-oy and Becky Taylor.
Petitioners have objected to the conduct any form of gambling “as it will continue to corrupt and degrade our people and our city which has always consistently maintained a character of being an anti-gambling city.”
The letter was given Monday morning and asked not to grant mayor’s permit to the application of an E-Bingo in Maharlika and not to renew permits issued to E-Bingo in Center Mall and in establishments along Marcos Hi Way and that no recommendations to Pagcor be issued from the city.
“We consider our city as a religious and an educational center. It is in the protection of our present and future generation that we vehemently object to the operation of establishments that become temptations to the values formation, moral and character building of our faithful members and our students,” the petition cited.
According to the petitioners, gambling when available becomes a choice. A choice between being in the gambling dens rather in school, work, home or in fruitful endeavors.
“It is a choice between betting or using money for food and basic necessities. It is a choice between gambling time as against fruitful time spent with family and friends. It is a choice between believing in chance of becoming an honest earner. We urgently appeal that we do not provide gambling as a choice for our people,” the petition added.
The petitioners said the City Council headed by Vice Mayor Edison Bilog and moved by Councilor Faustino Olowan approved the application of an E-Bingo in Maharlika, city market be issued permit to operate during their regular session December 12 while only Councilor Peter Fianza and Councilor Mylen Yaranon abstained with the majority approving the issuance of a permit.