Tupas reiterates position vs STL
Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. reiterated his strong opposition to the entry of the Small Town Lottery (STL) in the province of Iloilo.
In his regular press conference with Capitol beat reporters, the governor vowed to everything within his means to block the national government's proposal to establish local betting stations for STL.
The governor has been consistent in his stance against any form of gambling even at the time when he was still mayor in Barotac Viejo in the 70s.
Tupas said he has sought the support of his allies in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a resolution opposing the STL operation in all towns comprising the five districts in the province.
"In over three decades of my political career, I never allowed myself to be used by any gambling syndicate, not once and never will be," Tupas revealed many times in an interview.
"I was able to send all my seven children to school through honest means and it is my only legacy for them to keep," added Tupas.
The preservation of the moral fiber foundation of the family has encouraged Tupas further to fight a crusade against gambling no matter it may appear legal on which under the Arroyo administration is now acceptable.
The Catholic Bishop of the Philippines-Iloilo chapter likewise, has the same pronouncement which complimented Tupas' stance.
(Nelson C. Robles)