This is the question of the militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) to Rep. Victor Dominguez, of Mt. Province for his proposal to legalize all the number games in our country. "Are we so licked by the crisis that we have to forego our values? It may seem as a solution to the congressman, but this will only create bigger problems. One of which is the prevalence of gambling if this pushes through. All this so-called crackdowns against jueteng will be for naught, because it would be legalized anyway,"

 "Besides the moral fiber of the populace would be further be corroded with the government abetting, nay legislating, anti-social activities. People would also have the perception that it is better to gamble than to work because you can get rich fast," added the peasant leader.

 It can be remembered that the last one who suggested this move was Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes that was met with strong opposition from different sectors as well as the Palace.

 As for his part Carl Anthony Ala, public information officer of KMP castigated the proposal as being a no-brainer “this move will only open a Pandora’s box that would create more harm rather than good. It also diverts the issue regarding the fiscal crisis, and suggests solutions which are far from addressing the root of the problem, and that is wrong government policies,”

 “It is disheartening to note that when crises befell our country our lawmakers and government officials are the first ones to suggest the legalization of anti-social and unproductive acts. Maybe next time they would suggest the legalization of prostitution and pedophilia for the country to earn more money,” ended Ala. # # #

KMP - 20 September 2005