CANDELARIA, QUEZON—Local chief executives of Quezon province have welcomed the resumption of Small Town Lottery (STL) operation next month except for a mayor of this premier town.
Mayor Macario “Macky” Boongaling clarified that he is not against the STL operation as it would contribute benefit to the municipal government in terms of revenues aside from employment it would generate.
The mayor explained that his decision was triggered by his worries about the risk it may bring to the health of bettors and employees of the operator at this point in time.
“Hindi naman ako kontra sa STL. Ang plano ko lang, sundin muna namin ang mga health protocols para din sa kaligtasan ng mga tao. Ipa rapid test ko muna ang nasa 300 empleyado ng operator para tiyakin na hindi sila infected ng COVID-19 (coronavirus desease) at kung may mag positibo, ipapagamot muna namin”, said Boongaling.
Once they are found cleared with the virus, the mayor said he would then give the “green light” to the Pirouette Corporation, the sole operator of STL in Quezon.
Pirouette officials met the mayors the other day in preparation for the resumption of its operation which was ordered stopped by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) due to the pandemic.
Except for Boongaling, all the mayors expressed their approval to the corporation’s plan to operate next month.
