Isko denies raps over bingo game

MANILA, Philippines - Re-elected Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno appeared at the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday to deny the criminal charges filed against him by Manila Police District (MPD) for sponsoring a bingo game during the election period.

Moreno, who won against actor Lou Veloso, submitted his counter-affidavit to charges of illegal gambling, direct assault and obstruction of justice.

He asked the investigating fiscal to dismiss the complaint he branded as “malicious and fabricated.”

Francisco Domagoso in real life, Moreno said he did not violate any law since no wager was used in the bingo event held on Feb. 16 in Sta. Cruz district.

Use of wager is a key element that makes bingo game illegal under Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287.

“No wager was involved in the bingo game that we sponsored. It was purely done as a form of ‘parlor game’ for entertainment purposes without any cost to our constituents and the bingo cards were given for free,” he said in his eight-page answer.

He added that the event was part of a “consultation” he was conducting with residents in the area, and was held “at a private compound.”

Moreno stressed there was no need to apply for a permit for the event because this was not required “if the bingo game was intended purely for entertainment purposes, especially when being done in a private and gated compound.”

He pointed out that his group was not read their Miranda rights at the time of their arrest up to the time they were brought to the police station.

The vice mayor added that the other charges of resisting arrest, and violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees should also be dismissed.

Moreno had earlier filed a counter-complaint against the policemen who stopped the bingo game and arrested his group with the National Police Commission.