EDITORIAL: Why is Arenas dragged into Jai alai issue?

There are now only 13 towns that have not been penetrated by the operations of Jai alai in Pangasinan.

Alaminos City, Anda, Bani, Mabini, Sison, Alcala, Sto. Tomas, Villasis, Binalonan, Pozorrubio, Bayambang, Umingan, and Asingan are Jai Alai free.

Jai alai is supposed to be a sport played by Spaniards.

Many of those who permitted the operation of Jai Aai in their areas may not even be aware of what Jai Alai is.

The mandatory teaching of Spanish has long been abolished in the education curriculum and the same manner that Jai alai as a sport in Manila has long lost its following after it was closed down in 1986.

The said operator of Jai alai in Pangasinan is the Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation supposedly being run by a Charlie “Atong” Ang.

The Games and Amusements Board has denied issuing any permit for the Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation.

The governor denies any involvement in the operation of Jai alai in Pangasinan since it was the mayors who issued the business permits.

The governor also says that it was 3rd District Rep. Rachel Arenas who invited Atong Ang to come to Pangasinan.

Arenas has denied inviting Ang and said she is against any form of illegal gambling.

The talks are ripe in Bayambang that a son of a high official of the province is eyeing the congressional seat in the 3rd District.

By continuously linking the name of Rep. Arenas to Atong Ang, the theory is that Arenas will lose her popularity the favored son will be able to have a good chance come 2013 for the congressional seat.

Looks like the congressional race in 2013 for the 3rd congressional district is going to be a big, explosive and expensive one.

And of course the long term goal is for the favored son to become governor of Pangasinan in 2016.