[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading tag=’h3′ padding=’10’ heading=’LGUs want bigger share from STL ‘ color=” style=’blockquote modern-quote’ custom_font=” size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ custom_class=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=’custom’ color=”]
Monday, May 1, 2017
[/av_textblock]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
LOILO – Mayors in this province wanted their local government units (LGUs) to have a bigger share from the proceeds of the Small Town Lottery (STL).
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) set LGUs’ share at three percent. The mayors wanted it increased to five percent.
During a meeting of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Iloilo Chapter on April 28, the mayors passed a resolution requesting PCSO to increase the LGUs’ share.
The resolution was specifically addressed to PCSO chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz.
“We need a substantial share. STL’s proceeds are the main sources of government funds for social projects anyway,” said LMP-Iloilo president Jett Rojas, the mayor of Ajuy town.
STL is now legal in Iloilo province.
In February, Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. warned that a low STL share could “demoralize” LGUs.
The new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of PCSO on STL operations has this sharing scheme:
* host city or municipality – three percent
* congressional district — 0.25 percent
* provincial government – 0.75 percent
* police – 2.50 percent.
Defensor said this sharing scheme must be reviewed.
Dismayed LGUs and even the police may not be motivated to combat illegal numbers games and this, in turn, could adversely affect STL, he warned.
PCSO is expanding the operation of STL nationwide to help the government’s anti-illegal gambling drive.
“Answering the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to eliminate illegal gambling and stop corruption in the country, PCSO expands its STL operations from 18 areas since it started in 2006 to 56 areas nationwide this year,” said Corpuz recently.
STL has 56 corporate agents nationwide, whose combined income from bets is expected to hit P28 billion this year, according to Corpuz.
Meanwhile, PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan warned those engaged in illegal gambling operations to stop or face arrest.
“To all illegal gambling operators, your minions and protectors, your days are numbered. You can run but you cannot hide. Go legal or else we will arrest you and file appropriate charges against you,” said Balutan./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
