AS I write this column, the issue of whether or not bingo should be allowed at the E-mall whose location is literally only a stone’s throw from the San Francisco Church is still being discussed. I understand that in a recent meeting of the Naga City People’s Council, the vote of the majority members is in favor of its operation under certain conditions. This seems to jibe with the stand of Mayor Jesse M. Robredo. In fact, a temporary permit has been issued for its operation and I understand that as of this writing it is actually operating.

        From the legal point of view, it is worthwhile to note that gambling and betting is considered by the Revised Penal Code as crimes against public morals. The provisions however, of the revised Penal Code on gambling and betting (Title Six, Chapter one, Arts. 195 to 199) has been repealed and modified by Presidential Decree Nos. 449, 483, and 1602 and Letters of Instruction No. 816. This issuances of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos are still the governing laws on gambling and betting.

        As far as bingo is concerned, of particular interest is Letter of Instruction No. 816 which orders “that the games of domino, BINGO, poker when not played with five cards stud, cuajo, pangguingue and mahjong” when intended purely as parlor games or for home entertainment is excluded from the provisions of Presidential Decree 1602 which prescribes penalties for illegal gambling. From these issuances, it is quite clear that bingo when properly regulated is not considered as gambling but purely parlor game. Thus even the church occasionally conducts bingo socials for fund raising purposed.

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        The up-grading of the Naga City Police Station into a District Office is a welcome change. From what we heard over the radio and tv footage, the resultant effect of this up-grading is to remove the Naga District from the operational and administrative control of the PNP Provincial Command and place it directly under the Regional Command. With the relief of Police Senior Superintendent Macoy and the assignment of a new police chief in Naga in the person of Senior Police Superintendent Nemenzo, the tension between the PNP Naga and City hall has somewhat eased. And this is good for the city residents. But PNP Naga’s Cop will have to prove his worth in the meantime. Good luck, Chief.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
        “IT IS WELL, WHEN JUDGING A FRIEND
        TO REMEMBER THAT HE IS JUDGING YOU
        WITH THE SAME GODLIKE AND SUPERIOR
        IMPARTIALITY”

- ARNOLD BENNETT

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE
        “YOU SHALL SEEK ME, AND FIND ME,
        WHEN YOU SHALL SEARCH FOR ME
        WITH ALL YOUR HEART.”

- JEREMIAH 29:13