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
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