Bishops ask gov’t to stop jueteng anew

Catholic bishops reiterated their appeal to the government to immediately stop the reported resurgence of jueteng in some provinces, but also conceded that such a task would not be easy.

Ilagan Bishop Sergio Utleg believes there is an obvious link between the resurgence of jueteng and the mid-term elections in May next year, citing, for instance, the return of the illegal numbers game in several Isabela towns.

"We are worried about the return of jueteng. And of course, it is because the election is near and politicians need money," he told reporters.

Just like his fellow bishops, Utleg said certain government and police officials could be behind the return of jueteng in his province.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz earlier said he was certain that jueteng has resurfaced to help finance the campaign of some politicians.

"Not far from now is the envisioned 2007 elections," he said. "It is not surprising at all that jueteng is once again back in business."

Utleg also hit the government’s small town lottery (STL), saying that jueteng operators could use it for their illegal gambling activities.

Other prelates who have opposed STL are San Fernando Archbishop Pa—ciano Aniceto and Bishops Socrates Villegas of Bataan, Sofronio Bancud of Caba—natuan, Mylo Huber Vergara of San Jose, Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo, and Jose Oliveros of Malolos.

Cruz, who heads the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng, challenged the leadership of the Philippine National Police to immediately stop jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling.

"It is a shame to have a police force that is precisely the cause of illegal gambling in the country," he said.

"We thought that the PNP stands for law and order. But for this, (it) is becoming an instrument of this illegitimate activity," he added.