BAGUIO CITY: Mayor Mauricio Domogan has ordered an investigation on Keno and Lotto betting stations allegedly operating within the city’s public market without necessary permits.

Upon the order of the mayor, the City Treasurer’s Office, Market Division personally checked with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)—Urdaneta Regional Office if the cited Lotto betting stations are allowed to operate within the public market.

The PCSO Regional Office, on one hand, declared that the agency is actually encouraging the establishment of Lotto stations in public markets since there are more bettors in the said places.

A representative from said regional office, on the other hand, revealed that they have rejected several applications to operate Lotto stations in Baguio City public market since an ordinance prohibiting it has been passed.

The representative was referring to Resolution Number 236 series of 2009 passed by the City Council entitled as a resolution “making it known that Lotto operations is not welcome in the city of Baguio and strongly requesting the PCSO to immediately stop/ban the granting of franchises to operate Lotto to anybody in Baguio City”.

Market Supt. Policarpio Tamayo, upon investigating the operation of the Lotto and Keno Betting stations in the public market, found out that the said establishments have been operating without the necessary business permits.

Tamayo said that “although Keno and Lotto Betting Stations are exempt from paying business taxes, they are obliged to secure the necessary business permits and pay the corresponding regulatory fees imposed.”

The cited fees, he said, includes Mayor’s Permit Fees, Sanitary Fees, Garbage Fees, Sewerage Fees and other regulatory fees’.

Meantime, the old guideline for the operation of Lotto/Keno Betting Station prohibits the installation of the same near public markets and churches.