THE Baguio–Benguet Ecumenical Group (BBEG) is ready to lodge a formal complaint through a resolution against the conduct of electronic bingo (e-bingo) games in Baguio City.
Father Manny Flores said the complaint signed by members of the BBEG will be given to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) as well as the City Council to manifest opposition to all forms of gambling in the city.
Flores said the complaint is part of the first phase of the plan to fight gambling which has proliferated in the city.
“I am frustrated and sad that our leaders could not make a stand,” said Flores.
The priest said there are plans to set into action a massive peoples initiative to block the entry of gambling establishments in the city after the City Council decided to let Pagcor decide on the fate of the e-bingo establishments in the city.
Weeks ago, the City Council decided to forward all grievances to Pagcor after Councilor Maylen Yaranon withdrew her motion to rescind the approval of gaming outlets in the city.
The move was a technical decision to salvage what was left of a lost war against colleagues who would not budge to change their minds on gambling operations in the mountain city.
Yaranon said majority of her colleagues did not change their mind on the matter of e bingo which pushed her to withdraw the motion rather than see it lost in the council.
“I do not understand what is making them not listen to us,” Flores said
Flores said the process to mount the campaign against gambling is tedious but can be done one step at a time.
During a public consultation, advocates aired fears on the effects of gambling on people and the image of the city geared towards family oriented activities.
Flores said the opposition was present in all public hearings yet the Council in the city chose not to hear their pleas, adding “those whom did not speak ... Wins” pertaining to the non - appeance of pro gambling advocates in the public hearings.