The Roman Catholic Church here has challenged members of the Provincial Board to fully enforce Provincial Ordinance No. 4 which regulates the entry and operations of lotto in Negros Oriental.
Judicial Vicar Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing made the challenge as he reiterated the Church’s stand opposing all forms of gambling.
In a message, Tulabing said Negros Oriental officials, from the governor, mayors, councilors and down to the barangay council members have a moral obligation to the people.” There can only be true moral recovery if there is a concerted effort to eradicate all types of gambling,” he added.
Tulabing said while he understands that Ordinance No. 4 is solely meant for lotto, he hopes that Board members can either amend this to include Bingo Milyonaryo, “swertres” and other gambling forms, or perhaps pass a similar ordinance.
He lamented that no public consultation was held here prior to the entry of Bingo Milyonaryo, a lottery game operated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, unlike that of the application for the operations of small—time lottery (STL) which was quashed following strong objections from various sectors.
The Catholic Church official also expressed concern reports that some illegal “swertres” operators are using Bingo Milyonaryo as a front for their unlawful activities.
“The stand of the Church against all forms of gambling, legal or illegal, remains unchanged,” Tulabing said. (PNA/JFP)