26 June 2008

HON. EDDIE PANLILIO
Governor
Province of Pampanga

Dear Gov. Panlilio:

Greetings of peace!

We have learned from the news that you have recently filed a plunder case against Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda for having conspired in pocketing millions of pesos from illegal gambling payoffs particularly operations of “jueteng”. We would like to inform you that we are in full support of your crusade against illegal gambling which is seen as one of the major reasons for the rampant poverty that is pervasive in our country. Illegal gambling does not only destroy the life of the gambler but it also affects every member of his family thus, we believe that this filing of a case against one of the country’s alleged illegal gambling lords is a welcome development towards bringing to justice those that have continued to corrupt our society.

We urge and appeal to the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the leadership of General Avelino Razon to act on this growing problem not only in Pampanga but throughout the Philippines. We are open to cooperating with the PNP towards pdentifying and prosecuting people that are involved in propagating illegal gambling in our communities.

We also urge and appeal to our national and civic leaders to join us in working towards the total eradication of illegal gambling and at the same time, work towards providing access to quality basic education and adequate livelihood opportunities that will enable millions of our countrymen to finally move out of poverty.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

(Sgd)
HON. GRACE M. PADACA
Governor
Province of Isabela

(Sgd)
HON. JESSE M. ROBREDO
Mayor
City of Naga