Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said he would like the province to remain gambling-free in the wake of reports about the revival of the Small Town Lottery.

"Negros is gambling-free. Let's maintain that," he said.

On Wednesday, Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno approved a one-year trial run for STL to be sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

STL, which is being opposed by the Catholic Church, is seen as an alternative to the illegal numbers game "jueteng."

Although he is against gambling, Marañon said he could not do anything if the national government will authorize the operation of STL in Negros Occidental.

But if given a choice, I will not allow it, he said.

Defensor had earlier said that the PCSO will be in charge of running STL, including picking the winning two-number combinations between 1 and 40 in each province to tapping provincial agents who would be required to have P5 million in paid-up capital and P5 million in bond.

He added that since the PCSO had already closed deals with several private agents for STL operations, the government could face legal suits if it decides to defer its implementation.*NLG

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