Fire PNP chiefs who can’t stop jueteng, Chavit asks

A day after his appointment as anti-gambling consultant of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), whistle blower Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson started his task by recommending the immediate relief of police officials who fail to stop jueteng in their turf.

"Kung hindi nila mapahinto ang jueteng dapat palitan sila (If the police officials fail to stop jueteng, they must be replaced)," Singson said in an interview aired over dzMM.

DILG Secretary Jose Lina announced Singson’s appointment as consultant to the department, saying "Singson’s expertise would help ensure the success of the government’s drive against all forms of illegal gambling, particularly jueteng.

Singson also stressed that he did not lobby for his appointment at the DILG and it was the interior secretary who called for his help.

The outgoing Ilocos Sur governor met with the provincial police officials and ordered them to keep their hands off jueteng.

"He (Singson) would be our resource person because he knows the ins and outs of jueteng. His being a P1-a-year consultant of DILG is without prejudice to future charges against him," said Lina.

Lina said the DILG would still be calling the last shot although Singson’s recommendation would be highly considered by the people working against jueteng.

He noted that Singson’s testimony during the Senate impeachment trial against deposed President Joseph Estrada proved his expertise in jueteng.

The interior secretary stressed the drive against jueteng would be a three-dimensional project, including law enforcement, providing livelihood and moral recovery for people involved in gambling.

"We have to educate our people why they should go away from jueteng because it is not only a violation of the law but also not in accordance with the will of God," Lina stressed.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo is still awaiting for the recommendation of the presidential screening committee on who would replace key DILG officials appointed by Estrada.

Lina disclosed that all Estrada appointees, including DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Narciso Santiago Jr., husband of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, a staunch supporter of the deposed president, will be replaced definitely.

"No names yet but definitely they would be replaced because they are co-terminus with the official who appointed them in office," Lina told reporters in an earlier interview. "We are still waiting but for the meantime, appointees during the time of Estrada have to stay in their post."

Aside from Santiago, Undersecretaries Rafaelito Garayblas Jr. for Peace and Order and Anselmo Avenido for Administration would be replaced soon.

Lina earlier sacked six of the eight department assistant secretaries and abolished their respective offices as part of the government’s austerity measure.