The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance prohibiting illegal gambling in the city April 14.
The proposed ordinance cites Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular 2023-074, which calls on all local government units to intensify efforts against illegal numbers games, such as Bingo sa Barangay (BSB) and Barangay Lucky Bingo (BLB), along with other forms of illegal gambling, including jueteng, swertres, masiao, drop ball, cara y cruz, sakla, video karera, first ball, online gambling, unauthorized number games, and cockfighting, without valid permits or franchise from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
During the hearing, a concerned citizen raised questions on whether gambling during wakes and playing mahjong are allowed.
P/Lt. Col. Nazer Canja, San Carlos Police chief, clarified that gambling during wakes remains illegal, although authorities may exercise compassion by allowing small-scale games due to cultural practices and to help families cover the burial expenses, the city said in a press release April 15.
Mahjong, meanwhile, is allowed only under limited and non-disruptive conditions, he added.
In the proposed ordinance, penalties for violators are a fine of P1,000 each for first offense, P2,500 for second offense, and P5,000 for third offense.
Under Section 458 of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, the SP is authorized to enact ordinances to deter and penalize gambling, games of chance, and other deceitful practices that exploit individuals and disrupt community order.
The public hearing was presided over by proponent Councilor Jefrey Hidalgo, with councilors Joseph Mark Antonio and Armando Laguda Jr. Also present were acting Vice Mayor Rommel Debulgado, councilors Gerardo Valmayor III, Jonie Uy, Joselito Lopez, and Mary Dawn Cañetan, barangay officials and police personnel, among others. ||
