The Diocese of Bacolod will launch a campaign against city officials who will promote illegal or legalized gambling in Bacolod City. This was after the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod granted a Resolution of No Objection in allowing Super Lucky Beagler Inc. to operate Small Town Lottery in the city during its session Wednesday. Those who voted in favor of the resolution were Councilors Alex Paglumotan, Wilson Gamboa Jr., Noli Villarosa, Em Ang, Caesar Distrito and Roberto Rojas, while those who voted against it were Councilors El Cid Familiaran and Sonya Verdeflor. SAC director Fr. Ernie Larida yesterday said the Church is against all forms of gambling, whether legal or illegal. He said the SP did not consult them before granting a RONO for the operation of STL in Bacolod. Larida said “We should not vote for these officials who promote illegal gambling. Instead of creating more jobs for the people, they are creating a culture of gambling.” If they will continue to allow the operation of STL, they will hang tarpaulins in the facade of the Church indicating the names of the city officials who voted in favor of its operation, he said. Larida said the Bishop had earlier opposed the operation of STL in the city and the province. What values will this give the people? He asked. This will only make people poorer because they will bet their last money instead of buying their basic needs, he said. The people, particularly the poor, will resort to gambling because they are jobless. If the leaders will find ways to provide more jobs, the people will not resort to gambling, he said. Larida recalled that during the Arroyo administration the bishops were very vocal against jueteng because many of the poor were affected and this only benefitted gambling lords who financed politicians. These politicians promoting STL and other games of chance because elections are fast approaching, he said. Ang said she respects the position of the Church. She has made a stand on many issues and she always votes on whatever her conscience dictates. And she will stand up to what she has decided on. “I hope the Church also puts up tarpaulins if officials vote in favor of issues that will benefit and protect the people,” she said. Ang said she saw that STL, which was legalized in 2005 during the Arroyo administration to curb illegal numbers game like jueteng, is not any different from Lotto or the Casino, to which the City Council had also issued a RONO. The charter of STL states that a share of the income it generates will go to the local government and the police, and the proceeds from the national will go directly to medical assistance programs and calamity assistance, she said. “If we regulate it then, we can monitor and supervise their operations so that they do not violate any provision of the Anti-Illegal Gambling Act,” Ang said. In Bacolod, there are many STL bettings coming from neighboring local governments where it is legalized, she added. Gamboa said he considers this form of gambling a lesser evil compared to other forms. “If we cannot defeat gambling, we might as well join it, he said. Asked if he will approve the operation of STL, Mayor Monico Puentevella said he has not yet read the transcript of the SP and he needs to study it first. Puentevella said STL has been operating in the province and had benefitted it for several years. If he will not approve it, the SP might question why he approved the operation of the Casino and will not approve STL, he said. He will meet with the SP first and talk to Larida about the matter, he said. Why did they not stop the province or launch a crusade against it? He asked. In his letter to the SP dated August 18, Larida said the Catholic Church teaches that “games of chance” or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming enslavement. “There are better options of helping your constituents and our city other than legalizing organized gambling in Bacolod City, Larida said.*CGS BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO
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BACOLOD City – The Diocese of Bacolod vowed not to endorse the six Sangguniang Panlungsod members who voted to allow the operation of Small Town Lottery (STL) here if they run for any elective position in May 2016. It may make streamers campaigning against them, said Reverend Father Ernie Larida, director of the diocese’s Social Action Center. On Tuesday the city council approved a resolution of no objection in response to the request of Super Lucky Beagler, Inc., operator of some STL outlets in Negros Occidental. Now the Church can do nothing more than “appeal to the conscience of our leaders,” said Father Larida. Larida stressed that the Diocese has been firm on its stand against illegal gambling, which it believes only promotes a “culture of indolence.” Of the eight councilors at Tuesday’s session, Em Ang, Roberto Rojas, Wilson Gamboa Jr., Alex Paglumotan, Noli Villarosa, and Caesar Distrito voted to allow STL operations here, while El Cid Familiaran and Sonya Verdeflor dissented. Ang said she respects the Church’s conviction but will stand pat on her decision. She assured that she “weighed the pros and cons” before voting. Mayor Monico Puentevella refused to say whether or not he is amenable to the operation of STL here. He has yet to get a copy of the resolution of no objection. He noted, however, that the Church did not oppose STL operations in Negros Occidental. “What’s the difference between the province and this city?” Puentevella said he plans to talk to the councilors and Father Larida to evaluate the benefits of STL operations here./PN By MAE SINGUAY BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here on Tuesday approved a resolution expressing no objection to the proposed operation of Small Town Lottery here. It acted on the request of Super Lucky Beagler, Inc. (SPLI) president Jexter Mercado. SPLI, operator of some STL outlets in Negros Occidental, is planning to establish some branches here. Mercado requested the council through Councilor Alex Paglumotan to endorse the establishment of STL outlets here. Of the eight councilors present at Tuesday’s session, only El Cid Familiaran and Sonya Verdelfor dissented. Caesar Distrito voted in favor of the proposal but with colatilla. During deliberations, Verdeflor stressed that the city government may look like it is promoting gambling once the resolution is approved. “If we have STL outlets here, some poor people may use their last money to gamble instead of buy food for their families,” she said. Familiaran, on the other hand, said he is simply against all forms of gambling. For his part, Distrito stressed that the city government should make sure its share from the STL operator will be properly used. Others who voted for the approval of the resolution of no objection were councilors Em Ang, Roberto Rojas, Wilson Gamboa Jr., Paglumotan, and Noli Villarosa. The Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod was against the proposed lottery operation in this capital city. Reverend Father Ernie Larida, center director, said STL promotes gambling that may lead to a “culture of indolence.” He added the Diocese has always condemned proposals to build STL outlets here. In 2006, despite the Church’s opposition, the provincial government under then Gov. Joseph Marañon approved the operation of STL in Negros Occidental. Senior Superintendent Melchor Coronel, Bacolod City Police Office acting chief, maintained that they will apprehend operators of illegal numbers games./PN By MAE SINGUAY THE Bacolod City Council approved Tuesday a resolution of no objection for the Small Town Lottery (STL) operation in the city as authored by Councilor Alex Paglomutan. Eight councilors were present during the voting, and two of them opposed, Councilors El Cid Familiaran and Sonya Verdeflor. Councilor Caesar Distrito voted for the resolution with colatilla. Others who voted in the affirmative along with Paglumotan were Councilors Em Ang, Roberto Rojas, Wilson Gamboa Jr., and Noli Villarosa. Distrito said, “we just put a colatilla to make sure that the share of the city will be subjected to fair and equitable distribution to those who need it. Just like what they are doing with the Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) funds, before they release it, it passes through the SP (for approval)." For her part, Verdeflor, who is opposing the STL operation, said, "we know the pattern of the people in the grassroots. Even with their last money, they will bet on any numbers game in exchange of their hope to get rich quickly.” “If we have STL outlets here, there will be more people who will be prone to betting their last money supposed to be used for their food and allowances. That is why I am against it," she added. Familiaran said “not all legal are moral,” and he is against any form of gambling. Jexter Mercado, president of Super Lucky Beagler Inc. (SLBI), requested the SP if they could be allowed to open STL branches in Bacolod. He sent a letter dated Aug. 11 to Paglumotan requesting for the approval of the resolution of no objection. At present, SLBI operates in several areas in Negros Occidental, being the sole authorized agent-corporation of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for STL in the province. SLBI’s office address is at Montinola Bldg., Bonifacio St., Silay City. According to PCSO website, the STL charity fund sharing scheme allows revenues accruing to STL to be divided among the city or municipality, 10 percent; provincial government, 5 percent; congressional district, 2.5 percent; and Philippine National Police, 5 percent. The remaining 7.5 percent of the charity fund goes to PCSO. Church opposes However, the Diocese of Bacolod through Rev. Fr. Ernie Larida, director of the Social Action Center, expressed opposition to the STL operation in Bacolod. “It will only promote the culture of gambling which will lead to a culture of indolence to the people,” he said. Larida added: “Since the office of the City Council was still at the old City Hall in the downtown area, we were opposing STL operation in Bacolod City." Senior Superintendent Melchor Coronel, officer-in-charge of Bacolod City Police Office, said the police will apprehend operators of STL if they have no endorsement from the SP and mayor’s permit. By CARLA N. CANET City Mayor Monico Puentevella, Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya and Members of the Bacolod City Council during the State of the Booming Bacolod Address (SOBBA) last July 2015.* The Bacolod City Chapter of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) leadership and organization this coming August 20-22 2015 2nd PCL Cooperative Summit and General Assembly is another accomplishment in catapulting Bacolod City and the Negros Island Region (NIR) as the country’s “Meeting Industry” or “Event Industry” center. “Meetings or Events Industry” is a short word for “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions” (MICE) type of tourism as more than a thousand PCL Coop members and delegates are expected to assemble here at the Capital City of NIR-Region 18 this week at the SMX Convention Center. A press statement yesterday read that the success of the PCL Coop Summit as a MICE activity, which create intellectual encounter and a perk to local downstream industries, is assured by the active participation of all Bacolod City Councilors. An ordinance promoting and strengthening Bacolod City as MICE destination was approved recently principally authored by Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and co-authored by councilors Sonya Verdeflor and Carlos Jose Lopez; thus Sigue heads the summit’s focal Committee on Exhibits, Trade Fairs, Food and Drinks. Verdeflor and Lopez back this endeavor by heading the Physical Arrangement and Reception Committee and Promotions, Ways and Means Committee respectively. The summit’s technical support committees are Councilors Roberto Rojas, Em Ang and Caesar Distrito who will head the Registration, Secretariat and Awards; Councilors Ana Marie Palermo and Archie Baribar will head the Committees on Kits and Souvenirs and on Information, Documentation and Publication. Aside from the summit proper organization, PCL Bacolod Chapter will also hold crowd gathering cock fighting activity, golf tournament and shoot fest organized by Councilors Noli Villarosa, Alex Paglumotan, Kalaw Puente-vella and El Cid Familiaran, respectively. Paglumotan likewise heads the Transportation and Communication Committee while Puentevella heads another focal Committee on Tours, Entertainment and Special Concerns; he also heads the summit’s life support system, the Committee on Security and Medical Concerns. Meanwhile, PCL Credit Cooperative National Vice Chairman Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. is the 2015 Summit and Assembly Director – mainly in charge of finance, program, invitation and accommodation.* For almost a week, the call made by several members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in Bacolod City became one of the hottest political topics among local media entities. Who wouldn’t give interest to it, especially that one of those who made the call was Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya, the highest elected NPC member in the city. As vice mayor, Gasataya is considered as city chairman of the party, without prejudice to the position and authority that belongs to Representative Evelio Leonardia, who is the district chairman. However, due to the absence of an appointment paper that could have bestowed on him, officially, the duties and responsibilities as city chairman, Gasataya opted not to assume the leadership. Thus, this has left the NPC headship to Leonardia. Finally, the party had a meeting yesterday and, according to those who were able to attend, their first official gathering as NPC members turned out to be productive. Though they did not decide on their local line up, they agreed to hold series of meetings prior to the filing of certificate of candidacy in October. Is it “all is well that ends well” for NPC Bacolod? That remains to be seen, especially when the decision-making time comes. While there appears to be no problem in the selection of the party’s congressional and mayoral bets, some members are expecting a crucial deliberation on the choice of their group’s vice mayoralty candidate. Talks have been circulating that NPC will field Gasataya for congressman with Leonardia sliding down to the mayoral position. on the vice mayoralty post, several names had been floated, including incumbent Councilors Bobby Rojas and El Cid Familiaran who, by the way, is not an NPC member. Rojas, who is in his last term, has reportedly expressed interest in taking another shot at the vice mayoralty position. In the case of Familiaran, his presence in several gatherings hosted by Leonardia has raised speculations that he will join the NPC ticket. But there are other members who are willing to run for vice mayor too, reports said. Among them is former Councilor Dindo Ramos. by : John Elmer Ubaldo Bacolod Councilor El Cid Familiaran submitted to the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod his resignation as chairman of the People's Law Enforcement Board that will take effect on August 16.
However, the SP deferred action on the matter as there is no one to replace him at the moment. In his letter to the SP dated August 7, Familiaran said the reason for his resignation is “recent pressing responsibilities that need more attention.” Familiaran thanked the members of the SP for designating him as “member” of the PLEB by virtue of Resolution No. 08-14-95, series of 2014, where he subsequently acted as chairman, and enabled him to gain relative insights and appreciate the dynamic relations among the people and our law enforcers (police) as the city face everyday challenges, he said. Meanwhile, Familiaran, who ran as an independent candidate under the Magnificent Seven led by former Vice Mayor Renecito Novero, said the group no longer exists. He said Novero has no plans to return to politics while two other members of the group, Robert Francis Coscolluela and Hermilo Lizares are no longer running. Familiaran, who won as number one councilor, said other members of the Magnificent Seven who also got elected like Councilor Sonya Verdeflor and Archie Baribar, forged an alliance with the group of Mayor Monico Puentevella. There is a possibility that they will part ways in the coming election, he said. But Novero believes that the Magnificent 7 will remain although it will no longer be composed of seven candidates. The group also includes former councilor Elmer Sy.*CGS BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star August 15, 2015 sgg The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. inaugurated yesterday a four-storey 20-classroom school building that cost P43 million it donated to the Bata National High School (BNHS) in Bacolod. PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Cristino Naguiat Jr., Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia, and Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, led the turnover ceremonies that was also attended by officials of PAGCOR, DepEd, and the Bacolod City government, faculty, students of BNHS and their parents. Also present were Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya, Councilors El Cid Familiaran and Em Ang, former congressman John Orola, former vice mayor Renecito Novero, and former councilors Ricardo Tan, Celia Flor, and Elmer Sy, and Bata barangay captain Angelito Abaring Jr. The project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways. Leonardia thanked Naguiat and said this is one of the biggest and most beautiful school buildings in Negros Occidental. The students and teachers of Bata National High School are very fortunate to have this building from PAGCOR, he added. Leonardia and Paduano also pledged to provide facilities for the new classrooms. School principal Evelyn Casiano, Parents Teachers Association president Nelda Casas, and Abaring thanked PAGCOR for their generosity, and Leonardia and Paduano, for facilitating the project.* BACOLOD Councilor El Cid Familiaran tendered his resignation as chairman of the People’s Law Enforcement Board (Pleb) that will take effect on August 16. However, the City Council deferred action on the matter as there is no one to replace him as of the moment. In his letter to the Council dated August 7, Familiaran cited his reason for resignation as “recent pressing responsibilities that need more of his attention.” Familiaran thanked the members of the Council for designating him as “member” of the Pleb and subsequently as chairman, which enabled him to “gain relative insights and appreciate the dynamic relations among the people and our law enforcers (police) as the city face everyday challenges.” (CNC/Sunnex) BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here did not approve the resignation of Councilor El Cid Familiaran from the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB). Familiaran wrote the city council on Aug. 7 saying he is resigning not only as the chairperson but also as member of PLEB. The councilor believes he is “overworked.” Aside from his job at PLEB, Familiaran also heads the SP committee on urban poor, housing and resettlement, and committee on police, security and jail management. “Pressing issues” in his committees need more attention, he said. The SP declined his resignation, but Familiaran said he cannot promise to perform his functions well at PLEB. PLEB has resolved more than 15 cases since Familiaran was appointed its chairperson. By virtue of Republic Acts 6975 and 8551, PLEB was formed as the central receiving entity of complaints filed against officers and members of the Philippine National Police in every local government unit. Here the PLEB is composed of five members, including Familiaran./PN By MAE SINGUAY |
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