The government may allow “jueteng” (an illegal numbers game) operations in the country for now since it is the “lesser evil” compared to the illegal drugs trade, according to President Duterte.
At the recent oathtaking of newly elected officials in Malacañang, the President expressed concern that the illegal drug trade might take over and flourish if the government clamps down on the illegal numbers racket.
“May mga jueteng na activity…Maski sinong Presidente ilagay mo dito, for as long as the economy does not really provide food on the table for so many families, hayaan mo na lang ‘yan. At least ang pera doon,” he said.
“Kasi hindi ko talaga rin kaya. At pagka sinira ko ‘yan, ang papalit sa apparatus niyan, droga. So choose between the lesser evil,” he added.
Besides, Duterte admitted that he has no sufficient government force to implement a crackdown on jueteng operations. “I cannot order my police to go and make a sweeping campaign every day. I do not have that kind of force,” he said.
The President also acknowledged that the networking of jueteng operations has been “successful,” unlike the controversial investment scheme of a religious group.
“‘Yan ang pinakamagandang networking na successful talaga. Walang sabit. Hindi ka pa – mag-Kapa-Kapa ka pa diyan eh,” he said.
Last year, the President declared that the government must be prepared to provide alternative livelihood to the people if it moves to stop jueteng operations in the country. He also expressed concern that dismantling jueteng operations might only worsen the narcotics trade in the country. (Genalyn Kabiling)
