Lingayen, a gambling capital?

By Leonardo J. Galvez

APART from being the capital town, is Lingayen in need of another feather …. “Gambling capital” of the province? Has it lost its billing as the premier municipality of the Urduja country?

Reports have it that Meridien big shots have open three Jai-Alai off-fronton (JAoF) betting stations in Tayug, Rosales and Lingayen Choosing the most strategic places to ply the much-talked but vilified livelihood must had been the operator’s forte. Familiarity with the gambling terrains is not Greek to them. Experience paid off.

Lingayen will take the center stage in the west, Rosales, the central part while the east is Tayug’s territorial “sovereignty“. It’s like slicing and dividing a birthday cake among the natal day well-wishers.

The climactic JAoF’s return is a defiance of the Dept of Justices’ order banning the operation of these gambling dens. It’s absolutely a slap on DoJ’s face and downright disregard of a lawful order. And, to think that one of the undersecretaries hails from one of the far-most western towns.

Former provincial executives who have joined their creator — the likes of Governors Braganza, Quimson, Maramba, Rodriguez, dela Cruz, Estrella and others of the post World War I and II (ditto also for the living ones) — must be having a sleepless nights in their respective cubicles. These great Pangasinenses whose names are synonymous to the province called Lingayen their home.

Regarded as Pangasinan’s pride and show window, Lingayen is an epitome of progress.  It’s societal “demeanor” are the envy of other municipalities. Gone were the days when the town’s stature in social, economic, cultural and political endeavors are unmatched by any standard.

Being the seat of the provincial government, it showcases everything that’s beautiful.

Neglected by the previous provincial administrations but spruced-up to its orginal looks, the imposing capitol building including its clean and orderly surroundings — courtesy of Gov Spines — adds luster to the growing popularity of the town. But with the presence of JAoF, Lingayen lost its pristine stature.

Notwithstanding the outcome of the appeal for the stay of the ban or vice–versa, the capital town leadership has shown its true color. The passing of the baton from husband to wife and back is no longer a welcome development to good governance. The conjugal team has lost its bearing as an effective conduit for progress.

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments