Revival of jueteng issue elates Cruz
RETIRED Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a long-time anti-jueteng crusader, is glad that the illegal gambling issue is back in the forefront and is hopeful that that Aquino government will this time finally put a stop to the age-old social problem.
Cruz said he is putting his confidence in Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas who has committed himself to the issue after Bugallon town Mayor Rodrigo Orduña and Fernando Alimagno, chairman of Barangay Poblacion in Candelaria, Quezon, linked Gov. Amado Espino Jr. to jueteng operations in Pangasinan.
“I trust him. I hope this would be brought to conclusion,” said Cruz, founder and chairman of the Krusada ng Bayan laban sa Jueteng (People’s Crusade Against Jueteng) even as he At the same time, Cruz said he hopes the President would finally give his all-out support in this fight in line with his “matuwid na daan” battle cry.
Cruz met with Orduña and Alimagno before the two went to the Office of the Ombudsman to file a plunder case against Espino and he was also present during the press conference held in Camp Crame led by Roxas.
“Their decision to go to the Ombudsman first before the media was a better move,” Cruz said.
“Jueteng is really a corrupt and corrupting practice,” Cruz said.
ELECTION FUND
Cruz said several people who are involved in jueteng operations have been approaching him recently to ask for assistance to become whistle blowers.
These operators, he said, want to expose politicians on the take as many of them, especially those running for re-election, have been demanding for a bigger share to build up campaign funds for the May 2013 election.
“Kaya napipikon na ang mga operators,” he said.
He said the affidavits of Orduña and Alimagno are very detailed and it is good that they have protection from the government.
Orduña, a confessed bagman and troubleshooter of the governor, claims Espino received as much as P900-million in jueteng money.
Espino has strongly denied the allegation saying both Orduña’s claim and plunder case are politically-motivated.—Eva Visperas
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
