Peryahan ng Bayan games remain suspended – Año

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government yesterday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on the operation of the illegal numbers game Peryahan ng Bayan (PNB).

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año issued the directive after he received reports that the PNB games had resumed by virtue of a previous court order allowing its operations.

Año said peryahan games remain suspended by the Office of the President, adding that the court order had been recalled.

“Suspendido pa rin po ang operasyon ng Peryahan ng Bayan. That’s why I am instructing the PNP and LGUs to intensify the campaign against all forms of illegal gambling, including the PNB,” he said in a statement.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in a memorandum to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Jan. 29, clarified that peryahan games are still suspended.

This prompted the PCSO to suspend operations of the PNB on Feb. 6. The charity agency filed an urgent manifestation before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 161.

The court took note of the memorandum issued by the Office of the President and the urgent manifestation filed by the PCSO and recalled the writ of execution it issued on Jan. 24, 2020, which allowed the operations of the PNB.

“Unless the President’s order is overturned by the court, the recall order is effective and should be implemented,” Año said.

He issued the clarification after receiving reports that PNB operations continue.

“The court’s writ of execution has been recalled. So dapat tigil na ang operasyon ng peryahan games,” Año said.