ANGELES CITY — Opposition Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has asked the heads of schools and churches near Nepo Mart area to join him in his crusade against the establishment of sports-betting in New Point Mall.
In a letter dated April 24, Lazatin asked the school and church heads to “make a position paper” on the establishment of sports-betting near their location.
He said, “Giving permission for such operations is tantamount to promoting vices among children.”
He assured the officials that his crusade is “not about politics rather this is about protecting our children against vices.”
Lazatin sent letters to Holy Angel University President Dr. Luis Calingo, Ama Computer College Directress Andrea Pestaño, Sto. Rosario Elementary School Principal Dr. Enriqueta Tayao, Holy Family Academy Directress Sister Edna Quiambao, Don Mariano Nepomuceno Elementary School Principal Wilvenilo Calma, Proverbsville Director Edwin Arceo, Republic Central College President Dr. Victoria Angeles, Holy Rosary Parish Priest Father Francis Dizon, and Sto. Rosario Chapel Barangay Pastoral Council President Sister Lilia David.
Lazatin also sent a letter to the school Director of Plaridel Square Jamcom Computer Center and the Pastor of United Pendtecostal Church Philippines, Inc.
Lazatin opposed last March 31 the approval of PR-291-03-17 entitled “A resolution interposing no objection to the operation of an electronic games, ‘instawin’ and sports-betting by SHL Amusement and Gaming, Inc. located at New Point Mall Ente 2 Mall, Units 16-19 Nepo Center, Angeles City,” sponsored by Councilor Jericho Aguas.
While the 300-meter distance from schools set by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) does not apply to malls or arcades, Lazatin said that he cannot allow the approval of the gaming center since it will “set a bad example to our youth.”
“Ako po ay nababahala sa sports-betting, baka po maraming estudyante ang malulong dito,” Lazatin said.
“I am opposing the establishment of sports-betting, which is the activity of predicting sports results and placing wager on the outcome on any sporting event such as basketball, football, baseball, mixed martial arts, cycling, boxing and even non-sports events such as reality shows, political elections and non-human contests such as horse racing, grey hard racing and illegal underground dog fighting,” Lazatin added.