the May local and national 14 elections, BosNewsLife monitored Thursday, July 26.
They have war on the operators of a popular illegal numbers game called "jueteng", an underground multi-million-dollar operation they say have led to suffering for many people, including Christians in this predominantly Catholic Asian nation.
The practice has become so widespread that it partly caused the downfall of President Joseph Estrada in 2001. Among others, Estrada was accused of running a protection racket involving jueteng.
Jueteng barons have become so powerful that they are known to broker political ambitions, channeling millions in campaign funds to those they favor in exchange for them ignoring their illegal business operations, observers say.
The national leadership shared part of the blame, said Garrie David, executive director of the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng or ‘People’s Crusade Against Jueteng], a Catholic Church-backed group. "President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has not stated any categorical statement or order to stop jueteng," he said.
POLICE CHIEF
However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Oscar Calderon, disagrees. "It is not full blown because [of competition from] the small town lottery (STL)," a government-sanctioned game, Calderon said.
Since February 2006, its operation has been designed closer to jueteng and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the game’s franchise holder, has given permit to 15 corporations. However, David told 40 leaders of the Crusade for Good Governance (CGG) initiative recently that has negative effects on families and local government. "Government leaders just have to say no to jueteng," he said.
The game is believed to be especially popular among impoverished people. Christian missionaries and churches are involved in helping them; however, recent attacks and kidnappings have made it increasingly difficult for them to operate in areas where rebel groups are active, BosNewsLife established.
