News Update Operating Iloilo STL will depend on Council OK

LOILO CITY, Philippines (PNA) - Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. said his decision whether or not to operate Small Town Lottery (STL) in Iloilo will depend on the recommendation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). A public hearing regarding the proposed STL operations in the province is now ongoing. Defensor said he will most likely not endorse operating the STL if the SP does not recommend its existence in the province. Reportedly, majority of sectors in Iloilo, especially the religious community which sent a representative to aforesaid hearing, are not in favor of operating STL in Iloilo. ''We cannot stop people from gambling and that is the reason why we are proposing to legalize STL to stop other forms of illegal gambling like daily double and First Two ball, in the province'', he said. If legalized, the STL has a percentage to share with the provincial government unlike illegal number games that have no benefit whatsoever for the government, pointed out Defensor. Moreover, the Iloilo governor said that STL workers could also be given security by providing them benefits like higher commission, Social Security System insurance and health insurance.