By Mortz C. Ortigoza
A Chief of Police (COP) of a second class town in Pangasinan could have two hundred thousand pesos a month where he could also get the free three square meals a day of his men.
Some of these monies were being used as gas fund for the patrol car, allowances for the mobile phones of the cops, and operational expenses like arresting a guy with warrant of arrest in a far flung province.
With President Rodrigo Duterte war on illegal gambling ensued months ago against jueteng and jai-teng, not only the mayors, vice mayors, and councilors but the chiefs of police were hit by the absence of the payola – the motivational factor for them where they are now perched at their present posts.
Blame the government run’s Small Town Lottery (STL) that put a stop to this perennial practice.
“a) To raise additional funds for PCSO’s health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character; b) To provide funds to various local government units for their health program and medical assistance and services; c) To provide an alternative to illegal number game/operation and to aid their eradication; and; d) To provide additional opportunities for employment” explained by a letter of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan to the mayors in the country.
