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Thursday, July 07, 2005
Espinoza: Jueteng operations now in Cebu
By Elias L. Espinoza
JUETENG. The famous illegal numbers game in Luzon has come to Cebu.
The recent arrest of jueteng operators and the seizure of their paraphernalia in Barangay Guadalupe are more than an indication that jueteng is now in Metro Cebu.
Cebu has its own illegal numbers game, masiao, which is based on Jai-Alai games played in Manila. This form of betting has spread to Mindanao.
The jueteng operators in Metro Manila and Luzon must have thought that with the failure of the police to stamp out masiao here, they have better chances of making good if they operate jueteng in Cebu.
The inveterate masiao bettors or gamblers must have found it alluring to bet on jueteng since the results are immediately known and the draw is done by jueteng operators themselves. In masiao, the winning numbers are based on the results of Jai-Alai games in Manila.
Under the present situation, masiao operators now face strong competition from jueteng lords, who want to invade Metro Cebu with their very affordable price.
To the city officials and civic leaders, the entry of jueteng in Cebu City should be a cause for great concern. This numbers game is not only illegal, it can also cause more harm than good to the community.
Low-income earners will be most affected. It is the hope of winning big out of a small bet that draws more bettors to jueteng.
The police should double their efforts now before jueteng operations could spread like wildfire. They should identify and charge the brains.
STAND. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City chapter has already issued a position, joining other sectors in calling for the resignation of President Arroyo.
The present political crisis is the consequence of Arroyo’s mea culpa that she was the one on the tape talking to a Comelec official.
On the other hand, the officers of the present board of the IBP Cebu chapter choose to adhere to the rule of law.
Since the scandal also involves great public concern, the IBP might be remiss in its moral and legal obligation if it remains silent.
During its monthly meeting Tuesday, the board decided to come up with a resolution seeking to uphold the rule of law. The resolution will be drafted by former IBP Cebu chapter president Manuel Monzon.
The resolution will be free of any political inclination. It will be centered on compliance with the Constitutional framework, as well as due process. It will encourage Filipinos to abide by the majesty of our laws.
(July 7, 2005 issue)
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