CHURCH URGES Stop gambling

CHURCH URGES Stop gambling
BY JUDY F. PARTLOW

The Roman Catholic Church has reiterated its stand opposing all forms of gambling, and reminded all Negros Oriental officials of their moral obligation to the people.

“The stand of the church against all forms of gambling, legal or illegal, remains unchanged,” Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing, vicar general and spokesperson of the Diocese of Dumaguete, said.

There can only be true moral recovery if there is a concerted effort to eradicate all types of gambling, he added.

He lamented that no public consultation was held before the entry of Bingo Milyonaryo, a lottery game operated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, unlike the application for the operations of small-time lottery which was quashed after strong objections from various sectors.

Tulabing also challenged members of the Provincial Board to fully enforce Provincial Ordinance No. 4 which regulates the entry and operations of lotto in Negros Oriental.

He also expressed concern over reports that some illegal “swertres” operators are using Bingo Milyonaryo as a front for their unlawful activities.

Meanwhile, he also said the Church has not been remiss in its duties to remind its flock against the ills of gambling as part of their anti-moral corruption advocacy, in reaction to observations that many church-goers are also engaged in betting, legal or otherwise.

Tulabing said that, unlike the Philippine National Police, government officials and government agencies, the church does not have the power to craft and enforce laws on gambling.*JFP