MANILA, Sept. 24, 2010-Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD said he fully supports the campaign of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines against illegal gambling as he pledged to issue another pastoral statement for his diocese reiterating his commitment against the proliferation of the illegal numbers game.
Interviewed recently by CBCPNews in Naga City, the 66-year old prelate said his stand against gambling has not changed and the CBCP has been very vocal against it.
"Gambling, legal and illegal like jueteng simply impoverishes poor people while gambling operators, the politicians and some law enforcement people take advantage of the people's ignorance making them hope of winning instead of working hard," he explained.
He said it is the gambling lords who benefit from the illegal numbers game, including the politicians who control the police.
"I am in favor of the crusade led by my good friend (Lingayen-Dagupan) Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz and I hope he will continue his crusade," he further said.
The prelate also commended (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo, hoping he would continue his campaign against illegal gambling. (Melo M. Acuna)