Baguio mayor: No to gambling except casino

By Isagani S. Liporada

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. last week reiterated his stand against all forms of gambling, “except casino,” highlighted by a recent closure order against a barangay “bingo fund-raiser.”

During the “Ugnayan” press conference hosted by DZEQ Radio ng Bayan, May 15, he said elements of the public order and safety division seized gambling paraphernalia and almost P3-thousand in bet money from operators of a barangay fund-raising project along Otek Street, Rizal Monument Barangay.

RMB chief Marcelo Sabado in an earlier letter to Bautista, April 21, admitted approval of barangay resolution 4-2008, allowing operation of a “bingo social” and “kiddie carnival” for two months, which started late April “to raise funds for their fiesta; and the purchase of equipment and supplies for the barangay.”

In a separate letter to councilor Galo Weygan dated April 25, Sabado said the activity was approved in accordance with provisions of the Local Government Code (RA 7160).

The provision Sabado referred to provides “barangays are empowered to hold fund-raising activities for barangay projects without the need of securing permits from any national or local office or agency.”

But a lawyer speaking on condition of anonymity said, “scrutiny of Letter of Instruction 816 issued by then president Ferdinand Marcos excluded bingo from the operation of Presidential Decree 1602 known as anti-gambling law.

“However, LI 816 likewise provided bingo may be allowed only if they are played as parlor games or for home entertainment.”

“Thus,” he added, “the Otek bingo operations risk going against the provision of the LI as two months of gambling operations may not fall under the category of ‘parlor games’ or ‘home entertainment’.”

LI 816 further warns bingo may be allowed only if the betting is not disguised to defeat the intent of PD 1602.

Sabado signed an agreement for operation of the bingo socials for and in behalf of the barangay with one Emanuel Langrio of Cavite for a consideration of P200-thousand of the net proceeds from the 2-month activity.

In June 2007, a similar activity run by Lucky Amusement and Variety Show in the area was likewise foiled by agents of the city government.

LAVS likewise dismantled amusement rides in the area following AO 198-2007, citing violations to PD 1096 (National Building Code), requiring building permit for the structures.

LI 816 penalizes those who permit gambling “in places reputed for gambling or areas considered public with a penalty of four years, two months, and one day up to six years, a fine of P6-thousand,” and “temporary absolute disqualification from holding public office” should the same person be a barangay official.”

It also metes heavier penalties for private persons and government officials who participate or close their eyes to jueteng operations.

Meantime, in line with an earlier city council decision stopping STL, Bautista said
“there’s no chance STL” can be hard-pressed in the limelight.

He added “Bingo sa Barangay” he “will not allow” test runs of the Association of Barangay Councils’ innovative yet controversial fund-raiser.

On alleged establishment of casinos in the city sparked by construction of two new hotels along Legarda and Kisad Roads he said, “I would consider casinos in the city provided they can employ 5,000-10,000 Baguio locals.”

“If they can infuse billions to our coffers, maybe we can reconsider our position against this form of ‘hotel entertainment’,” he said.