LEGAZPI CITY - In a last ditch move to combat the resurgence of illegal numbers game in the province, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay approved yesterday the one year test run of small-town-lottery (STL) project of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office here.

        But the authority-to-operate given by the provincial board to PCSO is subject to immediate revocation if the authorized agent violates the mandate and guidelines, Board Member Philip Berces, chairman committee on laws told the Bicol Mail.

        “We’re endorsing the STL, provided that the operation scheme should be drawn in public places and free from tampering. However, if the authorized agent of the PCSO is in connivance with the underground operation of jueteng then we will cancel our recommendation immediately.” Berces pointed out.

        The concept of small-town-lottery is designed to raise more funds for charity and in the process combat and eradicate the illegal numbers games such as jueteng and masiao as well as to find alternative source of income for those who might be economically displaced by the eradication of jueteng.

        A resolution from provincial board or municipal league chapter is endorsing the conduct of the PCSO’s STL project which is necessary to allow the operations of hi-tech online lottery game.

        Board Member Raul Borejon, an ex-seminarian said that of the Archdiocese of Legazpi led by Bishop Nestor Cariño might raise a question of morality on the issue.

        “I believe STL is one way of stopping jueteng but this matter will raise the eyebrows of the Albayanos. So, we need to explain thoroughly the guidelines to avoid misconception.” Borejon said.

        But Berces quickly explained to his colleagues that the proceeds of STL will go to government’s coffer not to private pockets, saying that “even in the time of Pres. Cory Aquino, hi-tech online lottery game took place.”

        Albay vice governor Jesus “Bayan” Calisin, who agreed to be a co-author of the pro-STL resolution said that jueteng operation had been operating since last month particularly in 2nd and 3rd political districts of Albay.

        The illegal numbers game operations resumed in Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon provinces, a day after Christians celebrated Easter Sunday, marking Christ’s resurrection last April 17.

        Berces explained that once the hi-tech online lottery game operates in Albay, additional sources of income will be infused at the provincial and municipal levels, thus boosting of economic development and social amelioration activities including funds for local charitable undertaking here.