Batangas businessman denies jueteng charges

LIPA CITY, Philippines – A prominent Batangas businessman and technology expert has clarified published reports linking him to jueteng operations in Batangas.

“I have never been involved in jueteng. In fact, as former president of Batangas Enhanced Technology Systems (BETS), an STL franchise holder in Batangas, I had continuously coordinated with the police and appropriate agencies to stop jueteng operations, if ever they operate in the area,” Cesar Reyes said in a statement.

Reyes said the allegation was unfortunate as he appealed to certain quarters to be more circumspect and cautious in hurling accusations.

To reinforce the objective of STL in stamping out jueteng, Reyes disclosed that he even made substantial investment in the development of the STL platform and owned the intellectual property rights to it.

“I have twice submitted a proposal to the PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) on the use of this technology using wireless technology and computers to minimize errors or controversies in the games, professionalize collections and operations, and for the PCSO to monitor the operations and collections for maximum transparency. This will result in more revenues for the government and make STL a viable alternative to jueteng,” he said.

Reyes said the PCSO approved his proposal but for application only in Batangas. “I asked the PCSO to have this proposal implemented nationwide. This has remained unacted upon,” he added.

Reyes said his conscience is clear.

Meanwhile, a number of reputable and prominent residents have vouched for the “clean name and professional integrity” of Reyes.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said, “Reyes is a multi-awarded professional and reputable businessman. In my long years of association with him, it is unthinkable to link him to any illegal activities like jueteng.”

Batangas fourth district Rep. Dong Mendoza said, “Reyes is a foremost Batangas civic leader and one of the prime movers of good governance in the province. No way should his good reputation be soiled by baseless accusations like involvement in jueteng.”