DIAMOND Millennium Corporation (DMC) remains resolute in its position that it can continue operating its small-town lottery (STL) in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, despite recent extensive police raids leading to the arrest of DMC’s sales representatives.
In a press conference held yesterday (January 22), DMC emphasized that the status quo ante issued by the Supreme Court is the foundation for their ongoing operations.
The Supreme Court’s Third Division released the status quo ante order on January 8, 2024, instructing respondents, including PCSO General Manager Mequaides Robles, not to implement the letter dated July 12, 2023, unilaterally terminating DMC’s authority to operate STL in the city and province of Misamis Oriental.
The July 12, 2023 letter from Robles to DMC cited the termination of the agency agreement and authority due to the failure to secure prior PCSO approval for changing stockholders.
Lawyer Katrina Mordeno, one of DMC’s lawyers, asserted that the status quo ante order declares the termination letter from PCSO as no longer implementable.
Despite this legal protection, DMC was shocked when police officers conducted warrantless arrests at their 14 outlets in the city, apprehending 14 booth tellers for alleged illegal gambling.
Mordeno expressed dismay, stating that the officers should have adhered to the Supreme Court’s order. She questioned why they were apprehended over the weekend when there was a standing status quo ante order.
In a letter dated January 11, Robles wrote to Pgen. Ricardo Layug, Jr., Regional Director of PNP-10, asserting that the Supreme Court’s order does not guarantee the continuation of DMC’s operation. PCSO sought clarification from the Supreme Court, maintaining Hexaprime Inc. as its authorized agent for STL operations.
Colonel Evan Biñaz, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) spokesman, clarified that their function includes apprehending illegal gambling activities, especially those unauthorized by PCSO.
With the status quo ante order in place, they await the decision of the City Prosecutor’s office for further actions.
He emphasized the need for a clear resolution, stating, “Para mahayagan ug ma klaro ang both parties.”
Cocpo will discuss the matter in the proper quorum, citing their reasons for the operations.
Meanwhile, the 14 lotto clerks apprehended during the raids are expected to file for bail today, according to Atty. Mordeno.
DMC is actively exploring possibilities and investigating who will be held liable for the traumatic apprehension of their sales representatives. The corporation operates more than 20 outlets in both Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
