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
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