PD 1602: P10,000 worth of ignorance

In every nook and corner, where family, students, co-workers or friends meet, a game of chance is played for a few lousy change. But take heed, or you could land in jail. Playing or taking part in a game of chance wherein money (even to the tune of a few lousy centavos) and other representative of value are played for is a violation of Presidential Decree 1602.

A decree that four Malate students was apparently ignorant of, burdened their parents to post a bail of P10,000 each last Thursday at the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila under Judge Tingaraan Guiling, for their temporary release while awaiting trial for violation of PD 1602.

Police reports said that students Arman Munez, Joey Penalosa, Jesus Padilla, and Angelito Archangel all of Malate Manila were caught by SPO2 Hernan Llonet of Malate Police Station-9 playing dice around 4:45 p.m. along Arellano Ave. cor., Taal St. Malate. Evidence recovered were P83 and two pieces of dice.

Western Police District (WPD), Malate Police Station 9 headed by Superintendent Ramon de Jesus is strictly enforcing PD 1602 in their area of responsibility. A study showed that gambling is addictive and has destroyed a number of marriages, left many bankrupt and even compelled others to commit suicide or murder.

The infamous jueteng scandal deposed former President Joseph Estrada. Basketball player Arnie Tuadles was shot dead over a game of cards. Baseball player Pete Rose of the Cincinatti Reds who holds the record for career hits (4,256) and won two World Series in the 70s was not recognized in the Baseball Hall of Fame and virtually banned from baseball for life because of gambling.

The police warned that gambling is a bad precedent for the youth to follow. — Wilfredo Suarez