By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia is currently assessing the city’s stance on the issue of small town lottery.
It was reported that Super Lucky Beagler, Inc. (SLBI), an authorized agent corporation of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), has a license to operate in the province of Negros Occidental, which includes Bacolod City.
During a press conference yesterday at the Mayor’s Office, Leonardia said he received reports indicating SLBI does not need a business permit because of “the nature of the law” and the authority to operate provided by the PCSO. However, the mayor said he prefers they acquire a permit.
“But if the law says so (business permit from the local government is not needed), I don’t think we have the legal basis [to require them of such],” Leonardia explained.
Meanwhile, the mayor said he is advising the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to apprehend individuals engaged in illegal gambling./WDJ