THE local government of Tagum defended its recent seizure of small-town lottery (STL) booths, saying the operation is in line with the city’s “Hapsay Dalan” road-clearing program aimed at removing obstructions from public spaces.
City Administrator Edgar de Guzman told Gold Star Daily in a phone interview today, January 15, that the confiscation of 68 STL booths operated by Northman Gaming Corporation (NGC) complied with a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directive.
He cited a local ordinance that prohibits the placement of structures on easements, including those over drainage systems.
“Mga structure ibabaw sa drainage, makadistorbo mana. Mao nga gipa clearing ni mayor,” said de Guzman.
The statement came after NGC decried the seizures as lacking proper documentation and hinted at plans to file administrative charges against Tagum City officials.
De Guzman, however, maintained that the booths were illegally placed.
He said the city government had met with NGC three weeks ago and requested documents, such as lease contracts proving the booths were on private property, but NGC has yet to submit any.
The city official also noted that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which oversees STL operations, was asked to provide a list of designated STL booth locations, but the agency has not complied.
“Kung 20 lang ang designated areas pasabot kanang uban booth nila illegal naa,” said De Guzman.
De Guzman stressed that the local government will continue clearing any structures that violate the Hapsay Dalan program.
“Ipadayon gihapon namo pagkuha ang mga structure nga nakadistorbo sa Hapsay Dalan,” said de Guzman.
NGC reportedly operates more than 400 STL booths across Tagum City.
