Video karera OK, too

MANILA, Philippines — While voicing disdain for corruption, President Duterte said he can tolerate police officers dipping their hands in video-karera operations as long as they do not go into drug protection racket or become part of drug syndicates.

Duterte even encouraged policemen to go into legitimate businesses so they could improve their lives and their families.

He may have ordered the Philippine National Police to crack down on small town lottery (STL) operations, but Duterte said he doesn’t mind the police turning a blind-eye on small-time games of chance such as “last two digits” a game whose winning number combination is based on the results of the final scores of Philippine Basketball Association games.

“So ‘yung mga ganon na. Those are pastime neighborhood activities. Huwag lang pumasok ang sindikato,” he said, adding he would rather see policemen neutralizing drug users than focusing on apprehending gambling collectors.

The President made his position clear in remarks  before top PNP officials at Camp Crame Friday night at the celebration of the 118th anniversary of the Police Service.

Duterte said the ban on all forms of gambling – except Lotto – stays. Lotto is under the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“And besides, sabi ko dito sa STL, Lotto, there is already an existing organization. You create a vacuum, drugs will come in. ‘Yan ang mahirap. So I am, I cannot be a hambog and say, I will do it. I will kill the STL or the jueteng that goes with it,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he can even understand why some retired generals have started to make a business out of STL, and that he won’t take it against them as long as they won’t implement underhanded tactics and deprive government of proper revenues.

Recalling how he exonerated some police officials from operations of mining in Mt. Diwalwal when he was still mayor, the President said he sees nothing wrong if police officers engage in legitimate businesses.

However, Duterte reiterated his call on the police not to engage in drug activities.

“Look at the police officers who are involved in drugs. You, a police officer of the Philippine National Police, general kayo tapos magpasok kayo niyan. ‘Yan ang mahirap,” he said.

“Do not, do not ever commit the mistake. It’s a worldwide problem. There’s a global war there.  Huwag kayong pumasok diyan kasi sinabi ko na,” Duterte said.

“I have said it before in every forum and I’ve said it – I’ll say it now again for the nth time. Do not destroy my country during my watch. Do not destroy the young Filipinos of our tomorrow. Cause they will be the ones running the show when we are gone,” the President said.