'Tong' collectors using Noynoy's name in illegal gambling?

MANILA, Philippines - The police intelligence community is now verifying reports on persons using the name of president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to collect “grease money” from operators of on-line lottery games, including illegal gambling.

A STAR source, who requested anonymity since he is not officially authorized to discuss the matter to media, said the intelligence group has identified a certain “Ambet A.” and an alias “Doce” who have been reportedly visiting gambling operators in the country and demanding grease money for their continued operation. The two have been telling gambling operators that they have the backing of a close relative of Aquino in their illicit operations, the source revealed.

According to the source, even operators of legitimate STL lottery games were not spared by the two “collectors.” “They are also encouraging well-financed individuals to operate illegal gambling such as bookies and jueteng assuring them of immunity from arrest,” the source said.

The source said they are gathering evidence against the two individuals before the police act on them. “We are sure that President Noynoy is not aware of the illegal activities of these persons, neither will he tolerate them.”

Police have been unsuccessful in the fight against illegal gambling due to the alleged “strong connections” of the operators with high government officials.

Illegal gambling had reportedly caused the downfall of former President Joseph Estrada after his erstwhile buddy, Chavit Singson, revealed the delivery of bags of jueteng money to Estrada in Malacañang.