‘Loterya ng Bayan’ gets mixed reaction from lawmakers

Zambales Representative Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — How will the Loterya ng Bayan (national lottery) differ from the small town lottery (STL)?

Zambales Representative Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay told INQUIRER.net that the Loterya ng Bayan would still be like the STL but under a different name.

Western Samar Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento meanwhile said that the move to replace the STL has been studied by the government following “complaints that the game has been used as jueteng front.”
“We backed Malacañang’s decision to scrap STL,” Sarmiento said, adding the Loterya ng Bayan will be a good alternative.

He however pointed out that change must take place in the grassroots level in order to minimize jueteng operations.

“The community as well has to participate [in the fight against jueteng] ,” said the lawmaker, adding that jueteng was not an easy issue to address.

Citizens’ Battle against Corruption (CIBAC) Representative Sherwin Tugna echoed Sarmiento’s views, saying aside from the communities the local government units and the authorities should “have firm resolve (to) veer away from taking payola.”