By Sunday Post
The idealism of youth was seen as the motivating factor that pushed Cong. Adam Relson Jala of the third district to introduce the Small Town Lottery or STL in Bohol. Jala is still 29 years old.
This was confirmed by the congressman himself who was asked to explain his motivation in “baby-sitting†the entry of STL in Bohol.
But the young congresman’s father, Eladio, was not keen of seeing the day that his son’s pet measure will not meet stiff opposition. He cited the conservatism of the Boholanos.
Even before the congressman took off to a good start with his “STL babyâ€, the local Church already made known its vehement opposition that it will not see the light of day in Bohol.
Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog, vicar general and speaking in behalf of the local diocese, said that anything that concerns gambling, be it state-sanctioned or privately operated, will always be opposed by the Church.
The church dignitary was asked to react on the Jala measure and mincing no words he said if it need be, parishioners will be rallied to take to the streets, if only to block the entry of STL in Bohol.
Msgr. Malanog said gambling in whatever form is a no- no in the province.
In explaining his side of the STL entry , the young Jala said that his idealism to stamp out illegal gambling is foremost in his mind.
Calling himself as a staunch advocate against illegal gambling, he said the illegal numbers game called “Swertres†has become so popular with the masses that he found it so difficult to stop.
In Bohol, the Swetres phenomenon has become so widespread that even how much police authorities vowed to eradicate it, Swertres is still the gambling of choice among the poor. The legislator found the STL as the ultimate antidote to Swertres.
Cong. Jala expressed optimism that with STL, he is hoping that the illegal numbers racket will lose its luster and in the process make the masses shift patronage to the legal numbers game.
But his father was not as enthusiastic.
The former congressman, in a separate interview, said that he predicted a rough sailing for his son’s favorite numbers game.
The elder Jala said it would have a different story altogether if his son got first the backing of Gov. Erico Aumentado because the governor’s influence on municipal mayors was beyond doubt.
The former solon also suggested that it would have been better for his son to enlist the support of the two other lawmakers—Reps. Edgar Chatto of the first district and Roberto Cajes of the second district. Both solons have their own strong influence with their respective mayors who incidentally was the target of Jala’s wellspring of support.
Just how serious the young Jala’s bid to penetrate Bohol as another STL stronghold, was the fact that he already informed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of his intention to introduce the state-supported lottery here.
At the same time, Cong.Jala denied insinuations that he was acting in behalf of some powerful interest who are out to corner the STL franchise in Bohol. He said he has no other agenda in introducing the STL except his drive and determination to stop all kinds of illegal numbers game.
This question cropped up after it was known that the young Jala is a good friend of Dato Arroyo, the presidential son who is a representative of Camarines Sur.
The STL is another form of gambling popularized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes along with lotto.
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Topic: 29-year old Congressman Jala Wants Lottery in Bohol (Read 5382 times)