Following the support expressed by the Congress, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Monday urged local government units anew to give their all-out support to the state-sanctioned Small Town Lottery and help the government in its fight against illegal gambling.
PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan said such support from mayors and governors are very crucial so as not to waste the efforts of the government in fighting all forms of illegal gambling as this becomes the breeding ground of corruption.
Last week, the Congress expressed their support to the PCSO’s effort in increasing revenues for the government by expanding the STL nationwide as long as the government is getting its rightful share.
“Once again, I urge the mayors and governors and the local police nationwide to unite in the fight against jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling, and identify those gambling lords, their coddlers and file appropriate charges against them,” Balutan said.
He said that although STL is winning the ground against illegal gambling, they still need all the help they can get to increase revenues for the government.
“Jueteng is still rampant and we must eradicate it the soonest possible,” he added.
Balutan believes that the efforts of the government will not go to naught as long as local government units and the police will cooperate to fight illegal gambling that continues to hinder the STL operations.
According to Balutan, in the first semester of 2017, cities and municipalities, congressional districts, and provincial governments all over the country received more than P271 million from STL operations.
“As STL revenue increases, your share also increases. So, can you help us promote STL against jueteng in your area? It is going to be beneficial to your constituents because you will surely receive funds for your health services and programs,” he said.
Balutan said that giving shares to the LGUs are meant to eliminate corruption. He described how it filled the pockets of elected officials and government employees, and allow gambling lords to continue their illegal activities.
STL, the only legal numbers game, was PCSO’s response to President Duterte’s marching order to stamp out illegal gambling, particularly to combat “jueteng”, that continued to proliferate in different parts of the country.
“Let us put President Duterte’s dream into a reality in attaining the quest for corruption-free government,” he said.
Balutanalso urged mayors and provincial governors to instruct their police to go after illegal gambling operators in their area and protect STL.
He also cited the 15 days ultimatum issued by Philippine National Police chief Ronald Dela Rosa to all regional directors to stop illegal gambling and if they don’t comply they will be relieved from their post.
“On the alleged bookies of some STL players, we urge PNP to identify them and submit prima facie evidence so we will revoke their authority to operate STL,” Balutan said.
He likewise encourages the public to report any illegal gambling in their area and support the STL because everything will come back to them through charitable programs and services of the agency.
