Betting on Pacquiao not a sin — bishop

Gambling is not a sin, a Catholic bishop assured boxing enthusiasts who plan to place bets during Sunday’s bout between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and his Mexican rival Eric "El Terible" Morales.

Bettors in "The Grand Finale" don’t have to worry about trooping to the confessional after watching the fight, a senior Catholic bishop said yesterday.

Bishop Deogracias Iniguez Jr. of the Caloocan diocese said there’s nothing immoral about betting on the much-anticipated boxing rematch or any big sporting event, saying it is among those considered by the Church as "pure entertainment."

"Gambling can be a legitimate form of entertainment so there’s nothing wrong with betting on this fight," Iniguez told The STAR in an interview.

The prelate also stressed it is fine if some Filipinos support and bet on Morales since, "I don’t think it should be linked to patriotism."

Iniguez stressed that the Catholic hierarchy does not view betting on boxing bouts as something immoral – unlike other forms of gambling such as jueteng and the small town lottery – as it has become a traditional practice among Filipinos.

The country’s bishops have vehemently stood against addictive forms of gambling – both legal and illegal.  

Because of pressure from the Church, the government and police earlier this year were able to stop jueteng operations all over the country.

But Lingayen—Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz revealed the illegal numbers game has resumed in some provinces as the congressional and local elections approach. 

Recently, the Church renewed its war against gambling as Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes led his diocese in rallying against the construction of a casino in Cainta town in Rizal.

In a protest March last Nov. 9, Reyes said they wanted to demonstrate their opposition to the proposed creation of a Casino Filipino VIP Club with slot machines, and other gambling facilities beside Sta. Lucia East Mall, which was reportedly scheduled to open this month.

Opponents of the casino include Rizal politicians led by Gov. Casimiro Ynares, who are concerned about its potential impact on an area that is near big commercial establishments, including two tertiary schools.

Reyes said a casino would surely bring great harm to the people: "Businesses have collapsed because of casino gambling. Jobs have been lost. Families have been broken. Graft and corruption have been committed in offices due to losses in gambling. And in some cases, deaths and suicides have resulted."

The casino is a venture of the Creative Pacific Corp. (CPC) and will be operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

The casino’s opponents have also asked the local government officials of Cainta to withdraw the permit it granted to the CPC believing that the business "will contribute to the vast development" of their town.

"Our message is clear that we are against it. If they will not listen to these people, I think their days (in their positions) are numbered," said Ynares.

With almost 3,000 people who joined the protest, the governor said, Cainta officials should rethink their decision.

But because Pagcor is under the authority of the President, Reyes said the ace is still in Arroyo’s hands.

The bishop said they are still hoping Mrs. Arroyo will heed their call to stop the casino operations.