Abalos vows arrest of illegal STLs

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday said illegal small town lottery (STL) will be apprehended.

At a Palace briefing, Abalos was asked about the policy of the DILG on STLs that do not have a license from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) yet allegedly operating in some areas.

“STLs are given franchises by the PCSO. So kami ang susundin namin kung ano 'yung binigyan ng franchise (We will recognize only those with PCSO franchises) because these are the legal entities,” he said.

“Lahat ng illegal dapat lamang hulihin. And if you know anyone na merong ganun, sabihin ninyo lang sa aming Philippine National Police (PNP) at ipapahuli natin kaagad,” he added.

(All illegal STLs should be apprehended. And if you know any illegal STLs, just report it to the PNP and we will have them arrested.)

STL has been established by the PCSO to provide an alternative to illegal numbers game, as well as to help in eradicating them.

It also aims to raise additional funds for the PCSO's health programs, medical assistance and services and charities of national character.

However, some STLs are being used as a "front" to cover for illegal numbers games.—AOL, GMA News