A newly-elected kagawad of Barangay Cadawinonan, Dumaguete City , has been charged with violating the amended anti-illegal gambling law, following her arrest recently for alleged involvement in the prohibited numbers game “Swertres.”

Kagawad Mercuria Alviola and her husband, Agustin, were apprehended by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Antonio Estoconing of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1, at the house of their son, Alvin.

Local government operations officer, Lovely Absin, reminded officials holding elective positions that they should be role models in the their barangays

She said that aside from criminal conviction and imprisonment, elected officials found guilty of violating the amended anti-gambling law may face perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Police records show that the Alviolas were apprehended in the act of tallying combination of the illegal numbers game. Seized from them were tally sheets, tips, stubs, ballpens, and P 1,481.75 in bet money.

Kagawad Alviola had said it is only her husband and her son who are into the illegal trade, as coordinator and operation staff, respectively.

Meanwhile, re-elected and neophyte barangay officials will undergo the required seminars and trainings to enhance their proficiency and efficiency towards effective governance, Absin said.

The first training will be held February 28, as agreed during the monthly meeting of the League of Barangay Captains headed by Raul Infante.

The barangay heads also discussed the distance learning for wider dissemination through a radio broadcast program called “Radyo Aralan.”

Absin said CDs and tapes will be provided to barangays to enable them to learn the basics in developmental planning, and matters concerning finance, among others.*JG

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