MATAG-OB, LEYTE: Mayor Michael Torrevillas hailed members of the Sangguniang Bayan of this town for unanimously passing a resolution opposing the proliferation of e-sabong in the country. Torrevillas said that in December, the Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution 21-134, authored by Councilor Paciente Cubillas Jr., calling for the immediate termination by the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) of the operation of e-sabong and the promulgation of a law regulating if not banning gambling over the internet. Torrevillas said gambling has been a chronic societal problem catering to the need of the people for excitement but could lead to compulsive betting or addiction. He said that gambling through the internet has made it accessible to virtually everybody, including the vulnerable sectors of society, particularly the youth. He lamented the ill-effects of e-sabong as he cited the case of a village official who pawned his house to pay gambling debts and another committing suicide because of accumulated losses from engaging in e-sabong. Torrevillas said the bonds of the family and moral values of the youth are also compromised because of illegal gambling. He appealed to their parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joeboy Buñales, to help them in the campaign against illegal gambling and its ill effects in their municipality. The resolution was furnished to President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Pagcor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte.