The Evil Called Jueteng

by Among Ed Panlilio
Source: www.amonged.org

What is Jueteng?

Jueteng is a game of chance is the form of an illegal numbers game. It is fundamentally playing with numbers that is prohibited by law. There is a regular set of numbers which can be combined in so many ways as 'dreamt' 'interpreted' 'felt' – or in any similar way determined such as through simple 'kursonada' by the bettor. This then places money on his/her chosen numbers. The amount won depends on the amount of the bet made.

What is basically wrong with Jueteng?

There are very disturbing facts about it. 1. It is mostly poor people who play so their little money is gambled away. 2. There are very few 'winners' compared to the thousands of bettors. 3. Only about 15% of every peso is given as prizes, with the remaining 85% remaining the portion mostly destined for the pockets of the Jueteng operators. 4. The numbers which win are drawn with neither fixed nor regulated norms, but with deceit or misdeed, if not determined simply through the mental choice of the operators. 5. The criminal syndication of this supposedly 'lowly' game of the poor and simple tao is now in the hands of hierarchically organized operators.

Is Jueteng morally evil?

Yes, betting in Jueteng is morally evil for the following reasons, 1. Hard earned small amounts of money destined to sustain life are wasted in gambling. 2. little and continuous betting amounts to a large amount of money lost not only to the bettor but to their families. This can cause bitter domestic quarrels and lead to broken families. 3. Playing Jueteng which could have started as a little pastime or a matter of curiosity becomes a vice which is sinful.

Does Jueteng offer anything good in return?

No. Regular betting in Jueteng is a waste of hard earned and much needed money. We work, we sweat, we earn to support our families, send children to school and set aside some money for the future.

Jueteng as with any gambling does not generate wealth but sucks in money from the hands of the gullible. Jueteng does not really provide 'work' to its collectors ('cobradores') heads ('cabos') and others involved.Jueteng results in indulgent and indolent living for those at the top and does not involve real work that is hard, honest and decent. In the eyes of hard working people there is no honor in being a gambling lord, a Jueteng purveyor or aficionados

How widespread is Jueteng?

In 1992 the Bishops of Northen Luzon wrote a joint pastoral letter about Jueteng. In it they commented on the rampant and widespread proliferation of Jueteng from the cities and big towns to the barrios and sitios. They noted their concern that there was no place in their Region that was Jueteng free. What was true in Northern Luzon could not be false in other parts of the country – Luzon as a whole and the Visayas. In Mindanao another form of illegal game is played – 'Masiao'.

Why is Jueteng a social evil?

Jueteng which is widespread in its coverage, rampant in its operation and pervasive in its patronage is a serious social evil. It is illegal in itself, thus criminal in nature and disturbs peace and order in communities. The poor bettors become poorer while the wealthy operators – commonly known as 'gambling lords' become wealthier, more powerful, influential and thus more corrupt and corrupting.

What are the evils arising from Jueteng?

The evils of Jueteng do not arise simply because it is evil. It is evil because it gives rise to the following 1. It helps to destroy the moral imperative of industry and gives rise to the vice of indolence. 2. It promotes the mentality of chance and the culture of dependence. 3. It manipulates the poor, encouraging them to part with their money, luring them with quick returns. 4. it offers bad example to youth who at an early age can be enticed to gambling. 5. It contributes to corruption among public officials for their silence and police authorities for their protection. 6. It deceives people by appearing as a small but innocent pastime of people – hiding the fact that it is a well organized big syndicate from local to regional to national level.7. It is also deceptive in presenting itself as a benevolent and helpful donor – giving money to charitable institutions including church projects.

How does Jueteng promote graft and corruption?

Graft means payoffs, bribes, hush money and the like with one final aim to make public officials and /or police authorities act exactly counter to their sworn duties and obligations. This in turn leads to their corruption. For its continued existence, continuity and territorial expansion Jueteng uses money to promote graft and corruption in public offices, such offices which should be public trusts thus become public liabilities.

Besides promoting graft and corruption what other negative social effects does Jueteng have in society?

Jueteng does not promote peace and order. It breeds goons. It provides guns. It buys people. It promotes stealing and dishonesty. It feeds avarice and greed. It sucks in fortunes. It degrades people. It destroys families.

Jueteng does not bring economic prosperity to people. Those who prosper from it are the purveyors and their cohorts, corrupt public officals and authorities. Jueteng is a source of shame and dishonor to the community where it is played. It is a big liability to the country where it thrives.

Jueteng does not produce industrious and productive people, nor a proud nation. Illegal numbers games are a sign of weak and indolent people and a corrupt and dependent country. Where illegality is practically the rule, criminality and injustice are the order of the day blocking off the hope of a promising future.

Can Jueteng be eradicated?

Yes, but only if public officials and police authorities wish this to happen.

What can the community do to eradicate Jueteng?

They can cooperate with and support public officials and police authorities who are determined to do away with this social plague.

What can individuals do to eradicate Jueteng?

Primarily, individuals can help by not placing their bets. Without bettors, jueteng cannot prosper.

(PAGC - Pampanga Anti-Gambling Council, Inc.)