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[av_heading heading=’2 Antique BMs nix STL
Numbers game legal but still gambling, they say’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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SAN JOSE, Antique – Two Provincial Board members are not convinced Small Time Lottery (STL) is good for Antique.
Errol Santillan and Julius Cezar Tajanlangit vowed to oppose any move to grant anyone a permit to operate STL in the province.
“I have not yet received a letter from someone asking for SP (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) recommendation of their plan to operate STL, but this early I’m saying I’m not in favor of STL,” said Santillan.
While the numbers game is legal, Santillan said his “conscience” won’t allow it.
“It is still gambling,” he stressed. “Even if it is legal, I believe it will do more harm than good to Antiqueños.”
“I think the governor (Rhodora Cadiao) had made known her stand against STL. I support the governor’s stand,” he added.
Ex-officio Board member Tajanlangit, president of the Philippine Councilors League-Antique, said Antiqueños can find jobs other than collecting gambling bets.
“I understand that a number of livelihood programs are being introduced (by capitol), and I know the provincial government has funds for not only training but also financial assistance in starting a small business,” said Tajanlangit.
For Tajanlangit, going against the STL is “a matter of morality and decency over the employment of a handful of persons.”
Earlier Cadiao said she will not allow STL operation in Antique.
Angel Capadocia, former liaison officer for former governor Exequiel Javier, recently asked her that he be allowed to operate STL, Cadiao said.
“As long as I am the governor, there can be no gambling in the province, including STL,” she said. “I hate gambling. I believe STL is still gambling even if it is legal.”
While Capadocia has the “privilege” to “approach the Board members,” Cadiao said she “[doubts they] will support the operation of STL.”
A few years ago, Capadocia operated Bingo Million in Antique but failed to give the P40,000 prize of a businessman who won in the game weeks after his operation started. He eventually shut down the numbers game. (PNA)
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