Jai alai workers rally behind Pagcor

Displaced jai alai workers have started rallying behind the government-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), which is set to ask the Supreme Court (SC) to reverse its decision closing down the Manila fronton.

The 27,000-strong association of jai alai workers, including those manning over 400 off-fronton betting stations nationwide, said yesterday the future of their respective families became uncertain following the closure of the fronton.

Jun Nacorda, unofficial spokesman for the group, praised Pagcor for "taking the initiative to protect our interest."

Nacorda, who works in a betting station in San Pedro, Laguna, said they expect help from the government, in the light of President Arroyo’s pro-poor policies and her thrust to address mass poverty.

"At least we now have a President who truly identifies herself with the poor and feels their economic needs," he said.

The SC earlier ruled that Pagcor did not have the franchise to operate jai alai, forcing the closure of the Manila fronton. The stoppage of operation shut down all off-fronton betting stations, freezing in the process some P2 billion in private investments as well as dislocating their workers.

Off-fronton operators and their employees have petitioned Pagcor to take the lead in seeking a reconsideration of the High Tribunal’s ruling.

"We thank President Arroyo for her sympathy to our plight. The best news we heard this week was that the President has ordered her aides to explore all avenues of resolving the franchise issue," Nacorda said.

He pointed out that many of his colleagues once worked for illegal gambling operators.

"Jai alai has given us the opportunity to earn decent income without fear of a government crackdown that could land us in jail," Nacorda said.