Pot times July 16, 2005

Illegal Betting Games Better Than Drugs

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1120/a04.html
Newshawk: Tom Smith

Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jul 2005
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sunstar
Contact: sunnex@sunstar.com.ph
Website: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note: online-desk@sunstar.com.ph 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.