Solsona allows traditional games during wakes

SOLSONA SB member Marvin Pascua while defending his measure for allowing the traditional games during wakes. (Photo by Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz (Staff Reporter)

Solsona, Ilocos Norte—Gathering visitors, mourners and keeping a 24-hour vigil over the deceased, the municipal government of Solsona has allowed traditional games during wakes based on a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Bayan.

The SB requested law enforcement agencies to extend leniency in the implementation of Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287 during wakes within the municipality of Solsona subject to guidelines and limitations that may be imposed.

Republic Act 9287 primarily amends PD1602, which imposes penalty to any person taking part in all forms of illegal gambling by exclusively increasing the penalties on jueteng, masiao and last two while leaving other enumerated illegal gambling activities with the same degree of penalties.

In Filipino tradition, when someone dies, it is customary to hold a wake either at home or in a mortuary wherein friends, relatives and acquaintances gather together to pay respect and other condolences.

It has been also a practice to play mahjongg, pusoy, dama, tong-its and other card games, which gather visitors and mourners together until the burial.

In addition, the collected percentage from the winning players called “tong” generates funds to help defray funeral expenses especially to less fortunate bereaved families.

In Ilocano tradition, wakes usually lasts for nine days to complete the nine-day novena, however, it is extended if the family waits the arrival of close relatives from abroad to join the wake.

Relative to this, funeral and wake customs and traditions has been greatly affected by PD 1602 as amended by RA 9287 banning all forms of illegal gambling in all places and occasions.

Solsona Vice Mayor and SB presiding officer Jonathan de Lara, however said that to prevent possible abuses in extending leniency, the measure has guidelines and limitations.

The measure was called ‘’Andingay Games Resolution’’’ and games only allowed are mahjongg, tong-its and bingo and strictly for three tables only. Other games like “lucky 9”, pepito, pusoy and others are strictly prohibited.

The vice mayor said minors are strictly not allowed to place bets and be spectators. Only Solsona residents are allowed to play.

He also said that the games shall only be allowed until nine days during the wake. Mortgage of properties, personal belongings and other kinds by reason of sustaining the gambling activity during wake is prohibited.

SB member Marvin Pascua said that the resolution was copy furnished to the Office of the Provincial Director-Ilocos Norte PPO, Office of the Chief of Police-Solsona MPS, Office of the CIDG-Ilocos Norte, Office of the NBI-Laoag City, Office of the Provincial Governor, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office, Office of the MLGOO, Office of the Mayor, Office of the Liga Ng Mga Barangay and other concerned offices.

 As this developed, Pascua, who sponsored the measure, said that there was no feedback yet from the offices concerned.

“Madlaw ko ngaminen appo nga awanen tay makun-kunan a pinnaki-andingayen kadagitay nagminatayen ta awan met umasidegen no man adda ket apagbiit da laengen awanen tay pinnatnaganen kas pinangipakita wennu piangrikna tayo kadagitay naawanan ti ay-ayaten iti biag ket no adda kuma dagitoy aggaayam ket dakkel a kadwa ken nga agbantay.” Pascua said. 

“Ken saan a mailinged a dakkel pay a tulong kadagiti nagminatay tay ‘tong’ a makunkuna a nayon kuma para kadagiti pagkasapulan aglalo dagiti pada a marigrigat kas kua tay funeral service ken pamirienda kadagitay bisita,” he added.

He likewise assured that peace and order will strictly be implemented with the help of the barangay tanods in every barangay where the wake is located.

“This is the reason why we only limited [it] into three games,” he ended.