Lim orders arrest of LGU heads in payola

Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim ordered yesterday Philippine National Police chief Director General Panfilo "Ping" Lacson to start its campaign against local government officials in the "payola" of gambling lords, particularly "jueteng" operators.

Lim issued the directive following Lacson's revelation that some local officials and politicians, including some from the administration party, are seeking his blessing to allow "jueteng" operations in their respective areas.

Lacson, however, said in a radio interview that he had declined the request, saying their campaign would continue against illegal gambling.

Lim, in reaction, said that he would ask Lacson to start the campaign agaisnt erring local government officials who might be using their position to protect illegal gambling operations in their respective towns and cities.

He said that the PNP should catch red-handed any mayor in the pay of gambling syndicates so that he can file appropriate charges in court.

"It is hard to prove local officials are receiving protection money from the gambling lords. All we can do is to catch them in the act in order to put them behind bars for good," Lim said.

Lim earlier ordered an investigation of high ranking PNP and local government officials who are living beyond their means following reports that some officials live in plush villages despite their marginal salaries.