STL outlets in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu ‘can’t reopen’ yet

CEBU, Philippines — Small town lotteries in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City remain under police watch as these areas are not covered by the lifting of the suspension of STL operations.

Police Regional Office7 Director Brigadier General Debold Sinas said operators in both cities have not complied with the requirements of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Sa Cebu, wala nabalik kay naay utang. Supposed to be walay operation ang STL diha sa Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City (They have unsettled accounts with PCSO so they cannot go back into operating yet),” Sinas said.

Sinas added that police will continue their crackdown against illegal gambling in these areas and effect arrest against violators.

According to him, only STL in Mandaue City and Cebu province has been given the green light to operate anew. Peryahan ng Bayan in the province was also cleared and allowed to resume business.

Cebu City Police Office Director Colonel Gemma Vinluan, in a separate interview, said the expanded suspension of Cebu STL outlets is due to the unsettled accounts that the PCSO discovered during the closing of all gambling outlets last month.

She said PCSO was surprised to uncover many unauthorized STL outlets operating locally.

As an example, she cited a local operator with two franchises that were not recognized by the PCSO.

Vinluan said police will release an updated list of authorized STL outlets upon verification by the sweepstakes office.

She made it clear that at the moment, no STL outlets in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City are allowed to run.

To recall, PCSO general manager Royina Garma announced last August 24 that the suspension of STL outlets had already been lifted. She clarified, though, that the operators have to follow the requirements laid down by the office.

“We are happy to announce that pursuant to the recommendation of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the President lifted the suspension of the operations of STL,” she said.

Garma said authorized agents that are compliant with the conditions of their STL agency agreement and have been remitting the guaranteed minimum monthly retail receipts may now operate. (FREEMAN)