BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is expecting a representative from the national office of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to attend a public hearing next week regarding the contested operation of Small Town Lottery (STL) in the city.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, chair of the SP Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Good Government, confirmed that a PCSO national official is expected to attend the hearing, which will be held either Sept. 9 (Tuesday) or Sept. 11 (Thursday) at 10 a.m. at the SP Session Hall. The hearing was scheduled following the council’s invitation to the PCSO.
The inquiry stems from a resolution passed by the SP during its recent regular session after conflicting views emerged between local lawmakers and law enforcement agencies on the legality of STL operations in Bacolod.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, author of the resolution, said the entire city council has constituted itself as a Committee of the Whole to determine the true status of STL in the locality. Agencies invited to the hearing include the PCSO, the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), the City Legal Office, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director Colonel Joeresty Coronica earlier said STL operation in the city are “legal for now,” citing documents presented to police that authorize the operator to continue operations.
However, Ramos maintained that an in-depth discussion is needed to clarify the legal status, regulatory compliance, and enforcement issues surrounding STL.
“The City Council recognizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure that STL operations, if permitted, are conducted in accordance with the law,” he stressed.
Espino, meanwhile, emphasized that the SP is not opposed to STL per se but wants to ensure the operations are legitimate.
“As far as we are concerned, especially the BPLO, the STL operator has not secured a business permit. We are clamping down on illegal businesses. Just because this involves a national government entity, they cannot bypass our local requirements,” he said.
The councilor explained that under Republic Act (RA) 7160, or the Local Government Code, local government units have been devolved certain powers, including the issuance of business permits.
However, it was also noted that STL is covered by PCSO’s charter, RA 1169, a special law that prevails over the Local Government Code in case of conflict./PN
