Davao City gov’t rejects ‘Last Two’ numbers game

DAVAO CITY – The local government here has rejected the request of local operators, called "ushers," of the local small time gambling operations called "Last Two," a long-running numbers game.

"Last two" plays on the last two digits of each day's Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) draws, with the government not getting any revenue from its operations.

Last Monday, around 100 ushers gathered outside City Hall to seek an audience with Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio.

Their representatives spoke with City Legal Officer Raul Nadela, Jr., who is also Carpio’s Chief of Staff.

According to the ushers, the police crackdown on the illegal numbers game has already affected their earnings. The ushers asked not to be named. One of them, a grandmother, said she has already sent one of her grandchildren through college because of her involvement in “Last Two.”

However, the police crackdown on the operations has affected sales, with the more legal Small Town Lottery (STL) already taking over operations in the different parts of the city.

The ushers nevertheless admitted that they were aware the operations were illegal.

"We know it is (illegal), but where will we get our income now?" some of the operators said.

In an interview with reporters, Nadela said the local government simply could not agree with the request.

"We told them that it was a difficult request, since what they are doing is illegal," Nadela said.