Dads eye rules to keep bingo sa b’gay in line

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – City officials are mulling the imposition of guidelines to keep Bingo sa Barangay activities in line in face of the court’s recent ruling upholding the legality of bingo social activities.

           

Mayor Mauricio Domogan and city council members under Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas maintained that despite the decision of the Court of Appeals, the city still has the authority to regulate Bingo sa Barangay activities to ensure that these do not go beyond what is sanctioned by the law.

           

They said specific regulations are still needed from the city’s end to keep them on track and to avoid abuse of the decision issued by the Court of Appeals.

           

The mayor said there are provisions under the Local Government Code that the city can use as basis to come up with the guidelines.    

           

He said this includes the provision that bingo fund-raising activities should offer only bingo social games and that no other form of gambling should strictly be allowed.

           

He said the law also clearly provides that bingo activities should only be for a limited time and not a continuous undertaking.

           

He said another requirement is that bingo activities should also be covered by project proposal that should clearly indicate the beneficiaries of the proceeds.

           

The mayor also said it is not totally true that bingo activities do not need permits from the city government. 

           

He said if the venue for the activity is not a barangay property, then they will need to secure a special permit from the city mayor.

           

Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas said the court’s decision on barangay bingo activities calls for an adjustment on the city’s official stand against any form of gambling but the fact remains that the city will not tolerate activities that are not sanctioned by laws.

           

As to the court decision, the mayor directed the city legal office to review the decision and study if there are grounds for appeal.