Anti-gambling strategy doesn’t need Arroyo OK

Just do it!

President Arroyo said yesterday Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina and Philippine National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza need not submit to her for approval the four-point strategy drawn up during the recent national anti-gambling summit.

She clarified though that she has yet to receive the output of the summit held at Camp Crame recently.

"What is important is they (DILG and PNP) do their job because fighting illegal gambling is at the level of the police and the local government units," she said.

"So they need not propose anything to Malacañang. They should just do their jobs," she added.

Lina told Palace reporters the four-point strategy includes "legal reforms" such as amending Presidential Decree 1602 to raise the prison terms and fines for violators.

Lina said administrative rules and regulations stipulating the roles of the police and local governments in the anti-gambling drive should be issued to make them more accountable.

He added that livelihood alternatives should be put in place for jueteng collectors who stand to lose income from the crackdown, and that a "moral recovery program" should be carried out to educate the public on the evils of gambling.

Lina, in a statement, identified five areas where the anti-illegal gambling campaign will be vigorously pursued. They are Pangasinan, Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and Metro Manila. — Marichu Villanueva