DoJ should not threaten jueteng witnesses

By Maricar M. Calubiran

The Department of Justice should stop threatening the witnesses who linked the First Family in the illegal numbers game.

This was the reaction of Rep. Crispin Beltran after Pangasinan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, one of the whistle-blower in jueteng recently cleared President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Mike from any involvement in jueteng.

DoJ Secretary Gonzalez is not available for comment regarding Beltran's statement in the recent outcome of the probe headed by the department.

Cruz cleared them after he had a closed-door meeting with Gonzalez, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and DoJ Task Force on Jueteng. Cruz is only one of those who earlier linked the First Family in the illegal number games.

Another whistleblower, Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Mendoza Jr., executive officer of the Philippine National Police Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management was relieved from his post. He claimed that relatives of a high-ranking Malacañang official were behind the appointment of top police officials to jueteng-rich regions and provinces in Luzon in exchange for a cut in their monthly jueteng takes. Reports have it that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and his son Rep. Mikey Arroyo are allegedly receiving jueteng pay-offs from big time operators.

As to date, there is no tangible proof that shows certain government officials and members of the First Family had indeed benefited from the operations of jueteng. However, Beltran said whether the story is hearsay or not, he believe that 40% of the jueteng proceeds go to the Palace.

Beltran said the lips of the witnesses are already sealed. Unidentified men would go to their houses in the middle of the night and threatened them. They fear for their lives. “Nakatiklop na bibig nila,” he said.

Even if the First Family would be cleared from their alleged involvement in the illegal number games, it is still the people who will decide. Beltran said the same scandal toppled former President Joseph Estrada from his post. “The people have the ability to govern regardless if there is no judicial decision,” said Beltran.

The President failed to address the problems of the Filipinos. People are angry and there is a poor quality of life and they could not give the demand of the workers for a P125-wage hike. “Sama-sama na lahat iyan “said Beltran.

The business sector foresee that the allegations that the First Family benefited from jueteng operations could harm the country since it could lead to political uncertainty and drive away foreign investors.