Radical Ideas (Part II)....

Radical Ideas for the Philippines (A continuing series)

Part I of this series.

II. Legalize Gambling

Let's face it. No matter how hard the government tries, it will not be able to eradicate illegal gambling. Gambling, particularly number games in the provinces, are already a pervasive part of our culture as well as serve as a means of income for a lot of families. It also encourages corruption of our police officers and local government officials, sometimes at the highest level.

Instead of arresting and convicting the large scale gambling lords (who sometimes turn out to be high ranking officials), more often than not it is only mere employees, such as collectors, and small time operators who are dealt with by the law. The big time operators are protected by an extensive network of protection money recipients, ranging from top level military, police, and local government officials, to parish priests and friends. The most practical recourse is to legalize, regulate, and tax this activity. It will not only increase revenue, create jobs, but it will also drastically reduce corruption by eliminating bribes and kickbacks. In a single stroke, we can put all of these gambling lords out of business.

Gambling is what people may call a "victimless" crime, since it is completely consensual. Regardless of its illegality, there are still people who still insist on doing it. If legalized, the practice of gambling can regulated and controlled so as to prevent some people from engaging in it (such as minors), to only allow gambling in certain areas (perhaps specific "gambling zones" far from churches, mosques, schools and residential areas), and to control cheating and fixing. The hundreds of millions of pesos earned by the gambling lords would be put to better use if converted into legitimate revenue for the government, income for ordinary employees, and occassional winnings for the ordinary citizen. Isn't that better than what is happening now?

Coming soon: Part III

Links:

Illegal Gambling has a Grassroots Base
Jueteng ‘solves’ fiscal crisis in Cagayan
A ‘who’s who’ in the jueteng industry