Ombudsman to probe Chavit’s ‘illegal gambling operations’

The Office of the Ombudsman will investigate a National Police Commission (Napolcom) report that former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson is involved in an illegal gambling operations.

A Sept. 16 memorandum from Napolcom vice chairman Rogelio Pureza to Interior Secretary and concurrent commission chairman Joey Lina Jr. said Singson is among 12 people behind illegal gambling operations, including the popular jueteng lotteries, in six regions across the country.

Acting Ombudsman Margarito Gervacio said he will ask the Napolcom to submit the report as a basis for the investigation.

However, Pureza yesterday clarified that his report was "merely a transmittal of unverified and raw information gathered from various sources."

"We receive all kinds of reports. Some are verified and some are unverified. Some of these reports might have even originated from enemies of some officials," he said. "I have to inform the Secretary of what’s going on but we have to verify and evaluate these reports later on."

Meanwhile, a lawyer of deposed President Joseph Estrada, Manuel Pamaran, urged Singson’s immediate prosecution.

Singson is the government’s main witness against Estrada who is on trial for plunder and other corruption charges before the Sandiganbayan for which he was granted immunity.

Gervacio said Singson is covered by his immunity if his reported involvement in illegal gambling occurred when he was still governor. Pureza’s report said Singson allegedly operated masiao – a lottery similar to jueteng – in Eastern Visayas.

"But if it is confirmed that Singson’s involvement happened after his term as governor and there is no other government official involved, then it has be the Department of Justice who should handle the case," Gervacio said.

"Masiao and ‘two digits’ are still the most common forms of gambling in the province of Leyte and some parts of the region. These were operated by two groups; one has been identified with Wacky Salud/Chavit Singson group and the other is identified with the group of Mitch Ortega of Cebu," Pureza’s report said.

Estrada, who still remains hugely popular among the poor, has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing and maintains he was illegally ousted from the presidency.

He refused to enter pleas during separate arraignments on the charges. The Sandiganbayan entered innocent pleas on his behalf.

Plunder or massive corruption is a crime theoretically punishable by death. Officials have said Estrada, if convicted, would likely be spared. — With Marvin Sy