Ermita residents: Measure might make "karera" legit

CEBU – After Ermita barangay officials legalized the operations of commercial computer/online video games, and other gaming machines in their place, some residents are worried that the move will also make the operations of video karera legitimate.

“Nabalaka mi kay basin og mahimo lang hinoon nga legal ang operation sa video karera diri sa amo. Karon gani nga walay ordinansa sige man gihapon ang ilang operation sa Ermita, unsa pa kon duna nay ordinansa,” some of the residents said.

But Ermita first councilman Erwin Goc-ong assured residents “it is clearly stated in the proposed measure that video karera is not included.”

In the proposed barangay ordinance, the commercial computer/online video and or gaming machines refer to “any form of computer video or gaming machine, either on the worldwide web or those accessed through the use of tokens or coins.”

Video karera machines allow players to place bets for any two-number combination of computerized horses for every race called forecast.

The operation of these kinds of illegal gambling machines is very rampant in Ermita that has corrupted many residents, particularly children, this was observed.

The City Council committee on laws chaired by Councilor Edgardo Labella said that barangay Ermita has the power to enact the proposed ordinance intended to levy taxes and fees.

Only last week, 103 video karera machines were destroyed at the City Hall after these were confiscated in different barangays of the city. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)