THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) stopped the operation of Peryahan ng Bayan by Globaltech Mobile Online Corporation in Burgos-Lacson Streets, Bacolod City, Monday afternoon, April 16.
The PCSO team headed by retired Marine Major Manuel Fraginal, chief of the Nationwide Inter-Brach Security Monitoring of the PCSO, placed the "notice of closure" tarpaulin in front of the establishment, but minutes after the PCSO's team left the area, personnel of Globaltech removed the said tarpaulin and continue with their operation.
Fraginal said on February 27, PCSO issued certification from the General Manager terminating the Deed of Authority of Globaltech to operate Peryahan ng Bayan.
He said on March 2, 2016, PCSO issued a Board Resolution 51 Series of 2016, terminating the Deed of Authority of Globaltech to operation Peryahan ng Bayan and on October 13, 2017, Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 161 denied Globaltech's motion for issuance of a writ of injunction.
"We have all the documents to stop their operation because they are not authorized by PCSO to operate here. They are operating here for years already, but no one stopped them to operate," he added.
Fraginal noted that a concerned citizen informed them that the Globaltech continues to operate in Bacolod City.
"Peryahan ng Bayan of the Globaltech is illegal because they do not have a permit from PCSO, we are the agency that authorizes to regulate the number games," Fraginal said.
"How can we generate revenues for the medical assistance of our people if there's someone who sabotages the operation?" Fraginal asked.
Fraginal said Globaltech violated Republic Act 9287 or Anti-illegal Gambling Law and they will file charges against the operator.
PCSO is the principal government agency for raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character.
PCSO holds and conducts charity sweepstakes, races, and lotteries and engages in health and welfare-related investments, projects, and activities to provide for permanent and continuing sources of funds for its programs. It also undertakes other activities to enhance and expand such fund-generating operations as well as strengthen the agency's fund-management capabilities.
Fraginal said that President Rodrigo Duterte earlier issued Executive Order 13, requiring all the local government units and law enforcement agencies to clear their areas of illegal gambling.
Fraginal also questioned the action of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) for not arresting the personnel of Globaltech who are operating the illegal number games.
He said only law enforcement agency can padlock the building, but the BCPO personnel failed to do so.
Policemen failed to padlock the building because the Globaltech personnel refused to vacate their office.
Globaltech started their operation in Bacolod in 2014. They transferred to Burgos-Lacson Streets on March 8 this year.
Lito Estember, officer-in-charge of Globaltech and Provincial Administrator, said the team of Fraginal failed to present the identification cards that they are authorized personnel of PCSO.
He said Fraginal only presented a calling card that he's an officer from PCSO and the court order he presented was dated in 2017.
"We have the latest document from our lawyer and he is the only one who can give that information. We are waiting for an order from Manila and we will continue our operation," he added.