Robredo: Government Not Forcing STL Operations

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 18 - The operation of the Small Town Lottery (STL) will only be allowed if the local government unit concerned will allow it, according to Secretary Jessie Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Robredo’s clarification comes in the wake of reports that the operation of STL is being forced by the government while keeping the numbers game "jueteng" illegal.

Robredo, however, admits that there is a problem in Metro Manila, where STL has apparently become the legal cover for jueteng.

Negros Oriental Governor Agustin Perdices, on the other hand, remains steadfast in his stance against all forms of gambling, while the Provincial Board headed by Vice Governor Roel de Gamo says the application of Lucky Golden Gaming Corporation to operate STL in the province does not anymore hold water for failing to convince constituents here during a public hearing recently conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalalwigan.

“Whether he or she will bet on STL or other form of legalized gambling is the moral decision of the concerned individual, it should not come from government,” Robredo pointed out.

He explained that based on experience as a local chief executive, jueteng will not thrive if there is a legal alternative to it. That is why in Mindanao, jueteng thrives in the absence of STL, he said. (PNA)