Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jul 2005
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Author: Aurea A. Gerundio
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rodrigo+Duterte
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

ILLEGAL BETTING GAMES BETTER THAN DRUGS

* People may resort to illegal drugs trafficking if jueteng, "Last 2"
eradicated, thus Duterte bats for legalization of these activities

CITY Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Friday said it is about time for
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to consider legalizing jueteng and
"Last 2" (illegal betting games) rather than depriving the people who
benefit from the illegal activity.

Duterte, who graced Friday's medical and dental clinic by the City
Government and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) at
Barangay 5-A, said he already proposed to the president the
legalization of the illegal number games and donate revenues to the
PCSO.

"Kasi mahirap na i-stop ang corruption, (the government) might as well
legalize it. Mas makakatulong pa sa gobyerno," Duterte said.

Duterte expressed fear that if jueteng and "Last 2" will be totally
eradicated, people may resort to illegal drugs trafficking.

"Kapag naputol 'yan at napahirapan, mapunta sa drugs.'Yan ang takot
ko. Mas maayo pa ni kaysa maadto sa droga (This is better than getting
involved in drugs)," Duterte said. 
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