On January 26, 2024, the Quezon City Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that 1,090 street gamblers had been arrested and detained between October 1, 2023, and January 15, 2024. An amount totaling PhP 164,080 was seized in 381 operations across various communities. The Director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) declared that these arrests “exemplify our unwavering dedication in achieving strides to provide citizens a peaceful and well-organized community” (Philippine Star, 2024).
While the QCPD’s commitment to community safety is commendable, the aggressive policing of illegal gambling is an ineffective, costly, and inequitable approach to achieving peace and order. Criminological theories and empirical research on the Philippine criminal justice system provide valuable insights into why this approach falls short and suggest alternative strategies that could be more effective and just.
Many of the individuals arrested for street gambling—games like tong-its (card games) and cara cruz (coin tossing)—are first-time, non-violent offenders. According to Routine Activity Theory, crime often results from the convergence of a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship. In the context of street gambling, the lack of recreational opportunities and economic hardship creates a conducive environment for these activities. However, arresting these individuals does little to address the root causes of their behavior. Research shows that incarceration exposes non-violent offenders to hardened criminals, increasing their risk of reoffending. For example, those arrested for illegal gambling in Quezon City often end up joining gangs like Batang City Jail (BCJ) or Bahala Na Gang (BNG), where they are exposed to more serious criminals such as drug dealers and kidnappers. Labeling theory also suggests that criminalizing low-level offenders stigmatizes them, making reintegration into society more difficult and perpetuating the cycle of criminality. Aggressive policing, therefore, inadvertently exacerbates public insecurity by turning non-violent offenders into higher-risk individuals upon their release.
Aggressive policing of illegal gambling also imposes a significant financial burden on the government. Each incarcerated individual costs the government PhP 85 per day for food and medicine alone. Studies indicate that many accused gamblers, unable to afford the PhP 36,000 bail for violating Presidential Decree 1602, spend an average of six months in jail. For the 1,090 detained gamblers in Quezon City, where 500 were unable to post bail, this translates to a minimum expenditure of PhP 7,650,000 over six months. This figure excludes other costs, such as clothing, medical care, and lost income for the detainees and their families. These funds could have been redirected to social services like education, healthcare, or community development. From a policy perspective, investing in preventive measures that address the root causes of gambling would yield greater societal benefits than punitive measures.
Aggressive policing disproportionately affects the poor, who often gamble as a form of recreation due to limited access to leisure facilities. This aligns with strain theory, which posits that individuals resort to deviant behavior when socially approved means of achieving goals are unavailable. Moreover, the enforcement of gambling laws often targets small-time gamblers while allowing organizers and syndicates to operate with impunity. Interviews with detainees reveal cases of selective enforcement and even extortion, where police allegedly demand bribes to drop charges. Such practices erode trust in law enforcement and reinforce systemic inequities, leaving marginalized communities more vulnerable to abuse.
The Philippine government’s stance on gambling reflects glaring hypocrisy. While street gambling is criminalized, high-stakes gambling in casinos is legal and even promoted. Social conflict theory highlights how laws are often designed to protect the interests of the powerful while criminalizing the behaviors of the marginalized. This double standard fosters cynicism and legal cynicism—a widespread belief that laws are not applied equally and that proximity to political power determines accountability. Such perceptions undermine the legitimacy of law enforcement and perpetuate social inequality.
To address these issues, the PNP and local government units (LGUs) should adopt alternative strategies grounded in criminological research and evidence-based practices. The PNP should move away from arrest quotas as indicators of success. Instead, “quality of life” indicators—such as the number of conflicts mediated or assistance provided—should be prioritized. This approach aligns with the principles of community-oriented policing, which emphasizes collaboration with residents to identify and solve local problems. Non-custodial measures like warnings, citations, and mandatory reporting should be implemented for low-risk offenders. Diversion programs, which redirect offenders to counseling or community service, can reduce the burden on the justice system and prevent the criminalization of vulnerable individuals.
Local governments should also allocate resources to build parks, recreation centers, and walkways where residents can engage in productive and recreational activities. These initiatives address the lack of legitimate opportunities for leisure, reducing the likelihood of illegal gambling. Strict accountability measures should be enforced within the PNP to address extortion and abuse of power. Transparency in operations and community oversight can help rebuild trust and ensure equitable law enforcement. Additionally, the government must reassess policies that privilege high-stakes gambling while penalizing street-level activities. Comprehensive reforms should ensure that laws are applied uniformly, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Aggressive policing of illegal gambling fails to achieve its stated goals and instead exacerbates systemic issues within the Philippine criminal justice system. By addressing the root causes of gambling, reducing reliance on incarceration, and fostering community development, the PNP and LGUs can create a more just and effective approach to maintaining peace and order. Such reforms require a shift in priorities and resources but are essential for building safer and more equitable communities.
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