One of three pioneer lotto operators in Dumaguete yesterday said he will be forced to reopen his business, if the city government fails to permanently close the two other outlets which are allegedly operating without mayor's and business permits.

Enrique Medina said the city has not implemented the closure of the two lotto outlets at Colon Street and Daang Taytayan, Brgy. Calindagan, Dumaguete.

This violates Provincial Ordinance No. 4 prohibiting lotto outlets from operating without complying with business permit requirements, he said.

The city, through the Office of the City Legal, had sent a notice of warning to the two operators to cease their operations for lack of permits, but there was allegedly no compliance, Medina said.

The lotto outlet in Daang Taytayan in Brgy. Calindagan is operating at the back of the old lotto outlet of the Vilan family, and the other in Colon Street , through a booth inside the MJ Motor Parts establishment owned by a group of young businessmen.

Their operators were given five days by the CLO to comply with requirements, from the day the notice was sent on January 4.

On January 9, however, the city had not closed down these outlets, Medina said.

He said Mayor Agustin Perdices and city legal officer Neil Ray Lagahit are his friends, and that was why he did not file a case against them for the closure of his lotto outlet.

He said he is awaiting the result of the case between the city and lotto operator Teresita Zamora.

Medina said the city should not discriminate against him, and that, he should also be allowed to operate if the two other operators continue with their business.*RG

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