Expanded STL ops in Aklan to start March 25

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The expanded small-town lottery (STL) targets to start operations in the province of Aklan on March 25. Yetbo Gaming Philippines Corporation is authorized by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to operate and conduct STL. 

PCSO Aklan acting financial management officer I John Martin Philemon Alipao said the STL operator maintains a business office for STL in Barangay Poblacion along N. Roldan Street in Kalibo, Aklan.

The operator is authorized to sell tickets for the STL and other PCSO lottery products to individuals’ 18-years old and above and mandated to remit sales collection to PCSO.

Alipao said sales force and other employees are also issued with PCSO-prescribed uniforms and identification cards.  

“The STL operator needs no endorsement from the local government since the STL is merely an extension of PCSO. LGUs may also get its share in the lottery ticket sales,” Alipao added in a phone interview.

As of January 2017, the PCSO has allowed 56 authorized agent corporations (ACCs) in provinces and cities nationwide in a bid to generate more funds for charity programs. In Western Visayas, Marikudo STL Corporation will operate in Antique; Super Lucky Beagler, Inc. in Negros Occidental; Eagle Crest Gaming and Holding Corporation in Iloilo province and ZFIC Iloilo Gaming Corporation in Iloilo City.

ACCs have STL Agency Agreement and cash bond with the PCSO before they are allowed to operate in its areas of operations.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 13 on February 2, 2017 to strengthen the government-related STL operations as the only legal and authorized numbers game in the country.

The expanded STL operation poised to increase government revenue and provides jobs in the municipalities for kubradors and kabos.

Fr. Isauro David, spokesperson of Diocese of Kalibo, said the Church maintains its opposition to gambling in any form especially the entry of STL in Aklan.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.