A motion for reconsideration on the decision of the Court dismissing the case they had filed against the city officials for closing their business is being considered by Phuture Visions Inc., its lawyer, Jesus Hinlo Jr., said.

The Regional Trial Court had dismissed for lack of merit the petition for mandamus filed by PVI against Mayor Evelio Leonardia, City Legal Allan Zamora and City Planning Officer Lemuel Reynaldo for implementing the closure of the Happy Bingo outlet it opened at SM City-Bacolod, for lack of a Mayor's Permit.

In his decision, RTC Judge Ramon Delariarte said the petitioner has no right to operate bingo games at SM Bacolod because it does not have a business permit and has not paid the assessment for bingo operation. Hence, he said, the city acted lawfully in stopping petitioner's bingo operation on March 2 and closing its establishment for lack of business permit.

Claudio Puentevella, PVI president, said they stand firm that they have applied for a business permit and they believe the padlocking of their bingo outlet is a political harassment since it is election time. He claimed that even if they would submit documents more than what is required, they will not be given a permit because it was promised by the city to a favored operator.

Zamora, however, said the stand of the city government is consistent that PVI should apply for a Mayor's Permit to operate a bingo outlet at SM City-Bacolod. He said that if they have complied with all the requirements, then there is no reason for the city not to issue them a Mayor's Permit.

If they apply for a Mayor's Permit and the Mayor does not issue them one, then that is the time they can file for a mandamus case to compel the Mayor to issue them a permit.

Nikki Puentevella said it is Pagcor that can decide on the matter and not the city, that is why they believe they are victims of political harassment.

How can he claim political harassment when, in the first place the Court sustained the stand of the city that they have no Mayor's Permit? Zamora asked. It appears that they are the ones abusing their power because they will operate a bingo outlet even without a Mayor's Permit, he said.

He said it is not only their establishment that was padlocked by the city. There were several in the past, citing a radio station and an electric cooperative.

Nikki said their father, Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, has no involvement in their business and has left them alone because this is their own fight. "If the city did not abuse its power we would not have problems today," he said.

But Zamora said, "I don't think these children have the capability of securing a Grant of Authority from Pagcor without the intervention of the solon."

Meanwhile, the media liaison of Puentevella, Eric Tenerife, said money changer Helen Aguadilla is allowed by the city to operate her mobile business along Ballesteros Street even if she has no Mayor's or business permit because she is a supporter of the Mayor.

He said the Mayor's government is a selective one unless he closes down the business of Aguadilla.

Zamora said Aguadilla has a business permit for her mobile business issued by former Mayor Luzviminda Valdez.*CGS

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