An international website mentions that in the Philippines, in a small country in Southeast Asia, it is common practice to sponsor various table games while holding a wake. It also cites that as bizarre as it may seem, the reason for gambling is because part of the money goes to the family. But this practice became an occupation to some. There are reports that people even use fake coffins to gather people to gamble. Other people move from place to place to look for wakes so they can get money from gambling.
I would like that the Philippines will be known for our best boxer, Manny Pacquiao or Charisse or People`s Power but definitely not because of gambling. It is a sad that through the years from generation to generation, we are made to believe that gambling during wakes are legal.
The good news is the Baguio City council passed an ordinance banning drinking and gambling in funeral parlors.The Manila Bulletin cites that Councilor Nicasio Aliping Jr., author of the ordinance, said that while gambling and drinking are among the traditions of Filipinos during wakes, these vices should be prohibited in funeral parlors to show respect for the deceased and to keep the solemnity of the wake. As it is observed in funeral parlors here, drinking of liquor and gambling are rampant. When drinking and gambling are allowed, noise, rudeness, and sometime violence are inevitable, it was noted. This situation sometimes result in heated arguments and altercations that lead to fistfights, thereby marring the wakes which are supposed to be solemn, Aliping said.
This ordinance if strictly implemented will minimize gambling in the City of Baguio. I hope that the ordinance will also cover even the baranggays.
References:http://www.gamblingmoments.com/ visited Nov 13,2010
Manila Bulletin February 5, 2009 issue
No comments:
Post a Comment