DSWD allots P5 M for Central Luzon jueteng collectors

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has earmarked P5 million in livelihood assistance to jueteng collectors in Central Luzon who stand to lose income as a result of the government’s crackdown on the illegal numbers game.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman cited estimates by local officials in Central Luzon that around 3,000 to 5,000 people were dependent on jueteng operations in the region.

"The P5 million will come from the DSWD alone. We are (trying) to get (funds) from other (agencies). I do not think we can increase our budget anymore. At our level, that is the maximum. But we expect others to give their share," she said.

Soliman said the P5 million will be spent for livelihood and technical assistance so the jueteng collectors can find alternative sources of income.

The government has ordered a renewed crackdown on jueteng. This, however, has raised concern that those who derived their income from the illegal numbers game would be marginalized even more.

"That is the consequence of trying to right a wrong. I mean our administration is so saddened because we are bearing the consequences, decisions and practices of the past that is very telling on our social, economic and political life and we have to bite the bullet. We are the one biting the bullet so that we can correct it and become a better nation," Soliman said.

Soliman said the DSWD will be coordinating with other government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment and the National Anti-Poverty Commission to ensure adequate assistance for the displaced jueteng collectors and their families.

The DSWD plans to grant each displaced jueteng collector a P5,000 livelihood loan. Some of them can also band together to form an informal cooperative and avail themselves of the assistance.

Those affected have been advised to register with their barangays so they can apply for the livelihood loans.

"As we try to undertake any change, reform or revolution, if you will, there are those who (will) suffer more. Our mandate is to ensure that those who suffer more will be assisted," Soliman said.

Meanwhile, Bulacan mayors have thrown their support behind proposals to legalize jueteng.

In a press conference, Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio Cruz, president of Bulacan’s municipal mayors’ league, said they support jueteng legalization "if only to parry the economic hardships expected to descend on lowly people perceived to be dependent on the illegal numbers game."

Cruz said Bulacan mayors passed a resolution in 2002 endorsing jueteng legalization, which they forwarded to the League of Municipalities of the Philippines and Bulacan Rep. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado. — James Mananghaya