Vizcaya mayors back STL

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — After coming up with a resolution against small town lottery (STL) amid talks of alleged payoffs to some local officials, the mayors’ league here yesterday shifted back to its original stand and backed the government’s lottery project.

The league’s latest stance, which would eventually pave the way for the ‘experimental STL operation here, came after the provincial board, which practically flip-flopped on its decision at least thrice, decided finally to support STL during its special session last week.

"After so many consultations and discussions regarding the pros and cons of STL, we came to a unified stand supporting again its entry in the province," said Bambang town mayor Pepito Balgos, also the president of the 15-member league of mayors here.

This latest move of the local officials, particularly the mayors’ league and the 13-member provincial board, is contrary to the call of the Diocese of Bayombong here, led by Bishop Ramon Villena, to oppose the government’s Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)-operated legalized gambling.

"I hope that after so many hitches, this would be the last," Balgos said.

"Hopefully, this would be our last also," board member Teodorico Padilla Jr. said.

Padilla was one of the six board members who voted in favor of STL against four who opposed it (one abstained). Two board members were absent during the voting session.

Likewise, 11 of the 15 mayors have already signed the resolution affirming their support to STL. "The other four who failed to sign," Balgos said, "would surely adhere to what was agreed upon by the majority of their colleagues. I don’t see any problem now with our latest move for STL."

Balgos said that a separate resolution would also be passed giving PCSO the authority to choose or select any STL franchisee whom it deems qualified to operate here.

Balgos admitted that at least three groups with PCSO accreditation have applied for a franchise to operate STL in the province but said it is still up to the said agency to decide on the matter.