"We need to get to the root of the problem. "
"We need to get to the root of the problem. "
Only five days from declaring war on corruption during his recent SONA, President Duterte ordered the suspension of PCSO gaming operations and closure of all PCSO lottery outlets. Investigations are underway to determine the gravity and extent of anomalies within the agency and other third parties. On Tuesday, lotto operations were restored, but other PCSO games remain suspended.
Many were surprised by the President’s announcement. Its effect runs wide and deep. The suspension directly affects the welfare of indigent PCSO beneficiaries, the livelihood of PCSO employees, and the legitimate business of franchise holders, including their collectors and cabos who rely on the gaming operations for income.
It appears that the President is intolerant of gambling. We will recall that the Small Town Lottery (STL) was established to eradicate the illegal numbers game such as jueteng and masiao. As Minority Leader in the previous Congress, I led the call for the expansion of the STL operations to complement the administration’s campaign against illegal gambling.
In my previous statements and articles, I repeatedly underscored the potential of the STL program in providing livelihood and employment opportunities to many, especially those in the marginalized sector and those who are unable to pass job fairs and lack standard job requirements such as education, age, or experience. Last year, the PCSO reported employment of more than 300,000 cabos or collectors. The STL program, lotto, and other gaming operations directly contribute to solving the problem of poverty, and eventually minimize the inclination of people to resort to illegal drug trade.
With the sudden closure and stoppage of operations, what will now happen to that multitude of employees?
For a short while, these employees may not be able to feel its impact. However, the desperate need for source of income will arise sooner or later, and these employees may resort to illegal activities to make both ends meet.
The Department of Labor and Employment offered to provide emergency employment. Affected workers may also apply for unemployment benefits and financial assistance for up to two months through the Social Security System unemployment insurance program. While this may benefit some employees, those from far-flung barangays may find the unnecessary bureaucracy in the system discouraging.
For sure, corruption must be curbed. That said, this closure and suspension should be viewed objectively, and with reasonable consideration on its impact on the sick, the poor, and the marginalized sector who are most benefited by these number games. We need to get to the root of the problem to ensure that the laws and regulations are properly and strictly followed and implemented.
