CHAMPIONS OF STL RISE

Pro-STL mayors cite benefits of gambling
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

AFTER being pilloried by anti-gambling advocates in the first public hearing, it was the turn of pro-Small Town Lottery (STL) personalities, especially town mayors, to express their thoughts before the Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Leading the pro-STL bloc before the SP’s committee of the whole were Mayors Arcadio Gorriceta of Pavia, Suzette Mamon of Badiangan, and Neptali Salcedo of Sara.

Also in favor was Atty. Raul Tiosayco who represented Guimbal Mayor Sharon Garin in the first congressional district.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office headed by regional manager Jeanette Oberio was also present in the hearing which seeks to get the public pulse on whether or not to allow STL in the province.

The hearing was triggered by the request for a certificate of no objection filed by Around D’World Gaming Corp. (ADGC’s) with the office of Governor Arthur D. Defensor Sr.

Defensor then referred ADGC’s request to the SP saying his decision is dependent on the provincial board’s stand.

The League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Iloilo has earlier passed a resolution endorsing STL operations in the province.

Mayor Mamon, who is also the secretary-general of LMP, said the resolution they issued was deliberated in four successive meetings of the group and eventually ratified by more than 90% of the 43 town and city mayors.

Mamon said the LMP resolution can be revoked if the operator violates PCSO rules and other laws.

The resolution also has no exclusivity provision, meaning it generally endorses STL operations in the province by any qualified operator.

Mayor Salcedo said he finds it ironic that opponents of illegal gambling are still complaining against efforts to legalize gambling in the country and the province.

Salcedo said if they are compelled to arrest all illegal gambling bettors and operators, they will lose their supporters and voters during elections.

“We stand by our decision to allow STL because it can help our towns as long as the operator has a valid franchise. We have given our word and we will stand by it,” Salcedo said.

Mayor Gorriceta said he will not argue on the morality of STL and gambling because “what is important is the legality and benefits of the issue.”

Gorriceta said they expect to earn P150,000 to P300,000 a month from STL operations for Pavia alone.

“The mayors can provide livelihood and earn income. Imagine how many dengue patients we can send to hospitals aside from helping families whose relatives died. I don’t want to discuss morality because it is not my line. What is important is our experience, what we are missing and what are the benefits,” Gorriceta said.

Atty. Tiosayco said the Guimbal municipal government has no objection to STL operations as it will minimize illegal gambling in their town.

Earnings from the legalized numbers game will also beef up the town’s capacity to extend social aid to the needy, Tiosayco said.

Opher Templora from Tigbauan, Iloilo said he observed improvements in the lives of people who worked and won in STL operations.

Templora cited the case of a man who was able to buy his own motor banca after winning in STL.

“That’s livelihood for life thanks to STL. I also noticed a kargador or delivery man at the Iloilo City Terminal Market who also collects bets for STL. He works hard because he has extra income,” Templora said.

Apparently irritated by Templora’s litany, Board Member Gerardo Flores, who opposes STL, asked Vice Governor Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. to limit discussions to 2-3 minutes to save time.

Board Member Demetrio Sonza, who is also against STL, asked Templora if the kargador’s lot has improved because of STL.

“He is still a kargador,” Templora said.

Templora also revealed that STL bet collectors in Iloilo City are also soliciting bets in Tigbauan despite the fact that at present the numbers game is only allowed in the city.

The SP’s committee of the whole will meet again to decide whether to continue with the hearings or decide on ADGC’s request.