STL to be scrapped for failing to stop jueteng — Palace exec

Small Town Lottery or STL may be scrapped soon since it has not been effective in eradicating the more popular but illegal jueteng numbers game, a Malacañang official said Friday.   “It (STL) has proven not to be effective,” said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda at a press briefing. “That’s the reason why we need to replace STL.”   Lacierda said the STL was conceptualized to eradicate jueteng, but the government sees no improvement in the situation. “Apparently, it is not doing it’s job of combating jueteng,” he said.   Lacierda, however, dismissed allegations by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago that the Aquino administration has failed to stop jueteng, reiterating the government has an “integrated plan” to fight the illegal numbers game.   Various government agencies have earlier admitted that STL, which is similar to jueteng, is being used as a front by jueteng operators. This was after police officials admitted in past Senate hearings they are having a hard time arresting jueteng operators because they have STL IDs.   Even the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the agency in charge of STL operations, has admitted that STL could be used as a front for jueteng.   In the meantime, Lacierda said the government is studying possible alternatives to STL, assuring reporters the Palace would immediately divulge details once a plan has been finalized.   “We’re looking at it right now. I will not be able to provide the details yet but it’s under works. We will wait until it’s been finalized. We will announce it,” he said.   “The PCSO is studying it, the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), prior to the passing of Jesse, was also looking into it,” he added, referring to Jesse Robredo, the DILG secretary who died in a plane crash on August 18. — Patricia Denise Chiu/KBK, GMA News