Permits for betting stations recalled
JAI-ALAI DECLARED ILLEGAL
LINGAYEN–Jai-alai betting operations, which were suspected to be a mere front for the illegal numbers game jueteng, finally grounded to a halt all over Pangasinan beginning July 11 following a nationwide crackdown ordered by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Orders were given to the police around the country last week to close jai-alai off-fronton betting stations, but Superintendent Geraldo Roxas, spokesman of the Pangasinan Police Office, said the operator, Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC), already voluntarily closed their stations.
The DOJ and DILG also directed all local government units to deny all applications for business permits or cancel those already issued to MVGC.
The directive is pursuant to Sections 5 and 7 of Republic Act No. 954, which prohibit certain activities in connection with horse races, jai-alai and prescribed penalties for its violation.
TRO
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeals has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping a court in Aparri, Cagayan from implementing an order it earlier issued which prevented the government from closing down jai-alai betting stations of MVGC.
In a two-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes, the CA’s Third Division issued a 60-day TRO and directed Regional Trial Court Judge Oscar Zaldivar, presiding judge of Branch 7, from conducting further proceedings in the case which was filed by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) against MVGC.
GAB had issued a cease and desist order against Meridien.
“Accordingly, this Court, in the exercise of its sound discretion, finds it imperative to grant petitioner’s prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order so as not to render the resolution of the instant petition moot and academic,” the CA said.
JUETENG FRONT
Meanwhile, a raid on July 11 by combined elements of the police, in a barangay in San Fabian confirmed the suspicion in media that jai alai betting was used as a front for jueteng operations.
The raid in a suspected gambling den in Barangay Sagud Bahley, San Fabian led to the arrests two cabos (bet collectors) who were present in the area when winning numbers were about to be called.
The raid yielded 25 bundles of paper marked for jai alai but the bets were ostensibly intended for jueteng numbers.
Also seized during the raid were P2,732 worth of bets, other jueteng paraphernalia, one green notebook and two small shoulder bags which are used for the operation.
The raid was jointly undertaken by members of the Provincial Anti-Gambling and Special Operations Group, Provincial Intelligence Branch, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, 3rd Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion and the San Fabian Police.
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