Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said that he does not see an urgent need to legalize jai-alai in Bacolod City, as of now, but that, in the end, it will all depend on the position of the national government.

A resolution requesting the mayor to consider getting a jai-alai franchise for possible operation as the city’s economic enterprise, in Bacolod City, has been filed at the Sangguniang Panlungsod by Councilor El Cid Familiaran.

Leonardia said the bottom line is that what could be legal gambling is something that is sanctioned by the national government.

The SP cannot come up with its own ordinance to legalize any gambling activity, he said, adding that, in the Philippines, there are two types of gambling, the legal and illegal.

“I do not want to stand here as a moral barometer, and be the one to say which is good gambling and which is bad gambling,” Leonardia said.

He stressed that the stand of the city is to wait, because they will go only for what is legal.

It would not be appropriate for them to make conclusions on this since the casino, lotto, Small Time Lottery, bingo and sweepstakes are also forms of gambling, but they are allowed by law, Leonardia said.

Any legalization of jai-alai in Bacolod will therefore depend on the position of the national government, he reiterated.*CGS

back to top