‘Jueteng politics in Pampanga a challenge’

MEXICO, Pampanga, Philippines  â€“ Local bets of the administration in this province yesterday admitted that they are facing a tough challenge against allies of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo not because of her influence but allegedly because of jueteng money. 

“It is a belief among many people here that unless you are supported by the jueteng lords, it’s very difficult to win and we would like to work hard to reverse that impression,” said priest-turned-politician Ed Panlilio, who is going up against Gov. Lilia Pineda.

Panlilio’s running mate, lawyer Amalia Tiglao-Cayanan, alleged that jueteng generates P30 million daily, saying this alone bolsters her belief that Pampanga politics is greatly influenced by the illegal numbers game.

“I’m asking the President to stop the proliferation of jueteng,” Panlilio said in the presence of President Aquino at a “public meeting” of the Liberal Party senatorial and local bets in the City of San Fernando.