The Sangguniang Bayan of Siaton, Negros Oriental, has asked Secretary Leila de Lima of the Department of Justice for clarification on the legitimacy of the state-run online numbers game, Bingo Milyonaryo, in the province.

The letter was sent after alleged questionable operations of the sole Bingo Milyonaryo outlet in that town, particularly in Brgy. Sumaliring. It was reported that those formerly engaged in the illegal numbers game “swertres” were coerced by officials, particularly an anti-illegal gambling task force, to shift to Bingo Milyonaryo.

The officials also included the betting formats and procedures.

They noted that, based on the implementing rules and guidelines, bets are (supposedly) played electronically through the use of WAP-capable mobile phones and also through web applications running on the Internet, but, in Siaton, Bingo Milyonaryo employees are just using paper stubs on which a player writes his combination numbers bet.

Vice Mayor Teopisto Ray Yap III and Councilors Alfa Salome Lagos and Andre Reyes on Wednesday said the entry of Bingo Milyonaryo in their town did not pass through the municipal council, even though the authorized operator had obtained a mayor’s business permit.

They also said an invitation sent to the local operator of Bingo Milyonaryo in Negros Oriental to appear at a municipal council session was not heeded.

Reyes said the town council only needs enlightenment from COMNET representatives on the Bingo Milyonaryo operations.

Lagos intimated that legitimate or not, both numbers games are counter-productive and against moral standards as it would encourage the people to rely on luck through winnings, instead of earning a decent living through hard work and perseverance.

Lagos said the municipal council plans to invite the Siaton police chief, Senior Insp. Edilberto Gravador, and provincial police director, Senior Supt. Edward Carranza, to their regular session to shed light on Bingo Milyonaryo.

Aside from the Siaton town officials, Councilor Joe Kenneth Arbas of Dumaguete City also signed the letter, Lagos said.*JFP

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