WORLD-renowned boxer, Saranggani Representative Manny Pacquiao, was once interested to operate ‘bingo’ in Bacolod, said city Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Leonardia, Pacquiao’s best friend, said Boy Jalandoni applied for the operation of bingo instead, after Pacquiao lost his interest. Bacolod City lone district Representative Monico Puentevella and his sons were also very interested in operating bingo in the city. The bingo operation then became controversial and a source of conflict. Leonardia did not object Jalandoni’s application. The Puentevellas meanwhile secured a permit from Pagcor and opened their own bingo business at Shoemart, which was ordered closed for not having the mayor’s permit. As far as operations of illegal numbers games are concerned, Leonardia also admitted there were personalities who approached him and lobbied for jai alai operation in the city, but he rejected them because there is no legal basis for its legal operation. The operators claimed that jai alai is legal. “I told them that they should show me the proof of jai alai’s legality,” the mayor said. “…Until I am convinced that it is legal, jai alai has no place in the city,” Leonardia added. Councilor El Cid Familiaran earlier said that an official of the City Government is allegedly engaging in jai alai. “If he has evidence, he can share it with us,” Leonardia said. (Carla N. Cañet) Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on September 30, 2010.
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