EDITORIAL - Corrupting influence

The killing of 13 men at a security checkpoint in Quezon last Sunday has revived concerns about the pervasiveness and corrupting influence of illegal gambling in this country. Twelve of the fatalities appeared to be accompanying or escorting the 13th, Victorino Siman, tagged by both the military and police as a top jueteng lord in Southern Luzon, although his relatives insist he was a legitimate businessman.

Proponents of the legalization of jueteng have pointed out that there are simply too many inveterate gamblers in the Philippines, and the illegal nature of the numerous lucrative numbers games led by jueteng breeds corruption. Gambling lords have used dirty money to finance election campaigns or even enter politics themselves.

Illegal gambling is not only corrupting; it can also be deadly. Scores of people have been killed due to rivalries among jueteng operators  in  the  past years. The lone police official wounded in the purported shootout in Quezon, Superintendent Hansel Marantan, is suspected of feuding with Siman over jueteng turf. Marantan, now grounded along with the entire police-military contingent at the Quezon checkpoint, has denied links with jueteng operators.

The truth may be known soon, with President Aquino himself now voicing doubts about the shootout story. What he intends to do about jueteng activities remains to be seen. It is said that Filipinos love to gamble and will bet on anything. The administration of daang matuwid or straight path may not be able to stop this penchant for placing a bet in hopes of winning something, but it can try to stop the corruption that is fostered by illegal gambling.