MEMBERS of the Bacolod City Council opposed proposals to legalize jai alai and allow its operation in the city.
The move is being proposed by Councilor El Cid Familiaran. But, Councilor Homer Bais said he is against it since it is a form of gambling that spreads in all walks of life and ages. Even children are seen holding or analyzing the jai alai tipster. “I think we need to have a thorough debate on the pros and cons of that proposal because it will somehow touch the issue of morality and propriety,” Councilor Caesar Distrito said. He said the church will surely object to the proposal. “Personally, I am opposed to the proposal of letting the city operate any kind of gambling,” he added. ”I'm against it. We should not attempt to legalize it just because our authorities can't seem to crack down on their operations. Instead, our police should intensify their surveillance and apprehension of operators and go after the financiers and all their protectors,” Councilor Em Ang said. “The Church is against it and there is public outrage against the proliferation of gambling. The public should be consulted before we enact any measure to legalize it,” he added. Familiaran pushed for the legalization of jai alai operation in the city with the rationale that, if the illegal operation of jai alai cannot be stopped, it will be better to push for its legal operation. However, Mayor Evilio Leonardia discouraged the said move as there are already legal gambling like Lotto and Bingo which are presently legally operating. He said that there is a need to review the proposal to determine whether jai alai is worth legalizing or not. Familiaran presented data which shows that the net income of jai alai in its illegal operation reaches P2 million a day; P60 million a month or P720 million a year. (Carla N. Canet) Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on December 24, 2010.
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