PUBLIC consultations for e-bingo may soon push through.
Baguio City Councilor Elaine Sembrano, who heads the committee tasked to look into the gambling issue, said she is inclined to recommend a public consultation.
Sembrano said she has sent a formal letter to the entire council seeking comment and recommendation on the move of Councilor Maylen Yaranon to rescind the recent decisions by the City Council allowing the government to back gaming into the city.
Weeks ago, the council was forced to review the earlier decision to approve three sites of e-bingo in the city on May 22, giving gaming operators the green light to proceed with their operations which caused alarm from anti-gambling groups in the city.
The council approved without objection the request of the Bingo Palace Corporation to maintain and operate a new outlet in Albergo Hotel where electronic and traditional games will ensue as well as the request of Highland Gaming Corporation to operate traditional bingo games at the upper basement of SM City Baguio as well as the Baguio Center Mall.
Up in arms in objection, Yaranon in a resolution moved to rescind all requests for the game of chance.
"The request of e-bingo proponents was submitted on a Friday and was taken up in other matters on a Monday. Other matters are only allowed if it is urgent and important,” explained Yaranon.
Anti-gambling advocate Father Manuel Flores said the opposition to all gambling activities is bigger and stronger this time, all in agreement no gambling activities should be held in the city whether legal or illegal.
A multi-sectoral group in the city composed of concerned citizens, religious groups and advocates have united against gambling.