STL stops Iloilo operations; ‘bookies’ surge expected

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The legalized Small Town Lottery (STL) operations ceased in Iloilo Province on February 29, 2024, after the termination of 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation to operate.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), under General Manager Melquiades Robles, cited non-compliance with the 2020 STL Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (STL-RIRR), specifically Section 26, as the grounds for the termination.

According to the PCSO’s notice, 7 Aces failed to remit the complete and timely PCSO share in its Guaranteed Minimum Monthly Retail Receipt (GMMRR) as required by Section 26 (a).

Moreover, the AAC was found to have committed three verified minor violations outlined in Section 26 (g), including failure to pay the difference in the adjusted GMMRR, failure to pay the additional authorization fee, and failure to pay the additional cash bond as stipulated in BR No. 253 series of 2023.

As a consequence of these infringements, 7 Aces was instructed to hold its final draw by the end of February 28 and cease operations subsequently.

PCSO’s instructions also stipulated the surrender of various documents and items related to the STL operations, such as sales and remittance reports, financial statements, copies of books of accounts, bank statements since the start of STL operations, prize payout reports, used and unused STL tickets, draw machines, STL paraphernalia, and identification cards of the STL sales force.

In a follow-up communication, Remeliza Gabuyo, PCSO’s Assistant General Manager for Branch Operations Sector, informed Brigadier General Jack Wanky of the AAC’s conclusion of operations.

She reiterated that “any STL operations after the said draw in the Province of Iloilo (excluding Iloilo City) is no longer authorized by PCSO and is therefore deemed illegal.”

This cessation comes amidst reports that 7 Aces was considering a 10-day grace period to contest the PCSO’s decision and possibly seek a temporary restraining order against the termination.

BOOKIES IN THE PROVINCE?

In the wake of PCSO’s termination of the operations of the sole Authorized Agent Corporation (AAC) in Iloilo province, reports have surfaced of illicit bookies filling the void in the area.

These activities are allegedly being led by a former STL manager and a retired police official.

Concerns have arisen within the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), with claims that these operations carry the “blessings from above.”

However, the exact source of this purported protection remains unspecified.

Amidst these allegations, when a local police official reportedly challenged the legitimacy of the bookies operations, they were confronted with accusations regarding their own involvement in similar illicit activities.

In response to these developments, Wanky has firmly said that no blessing or legal endorsement can be given to illegal undertakings.

“Who could possibly sanction such activities? Certainly, no one can bestow ‘blessings’ if it’s illegal,” he retorted.

Wanky took immediate action upon receiving the PCSO’s letter about the termination of 7 Aces. He instructed Colonel Ronaldo Palomo to take a stand against illegal gambling in the province.

“With no legal operations in place, it’s expected that some may attempt to continue, but such actions are clearly illegal. Hence, there is an imperative for the provincial director and our police chiefs to take action,” Wanky asserted.

He had already been reminding field commanders to safeguard the operations of AACs in the region.

Nonetheless, the recent events suggest a need for a renewed emphasis on Wanky’s directive, as records reveal that police throughout the region conducted only 47 anti-illegal gambling operations between March 4 and March 10, 2024.

The operations comprised three instances of violating the Anti-Cockfighting Law of 1974 (Presidential Decree 449), 36 pertaining to Presidential Decree 1602 which imposes harsher penalties for illegal gambling, and eight actions related to Republic Act 9287 that outlaws illegal numbers games such as bookies.

In the same timeframe, the IPPO carried out merely three operations — two under PD 1602 and one under RA 9287.

The comparatively low number of interventions prompts Wanky to assert that Palomo must intensify efforts.

“We will be reviewing their performances. If their operations are subpar, then they will be reminded once more of their duties,” Wanky stated.