New DILG chief left high and dry on 'jueteng'.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Gil Cabacungan Jr., Christian V. Esguerra, Norman Bordadora in Manila, Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes, PDI Northern Luzon Bureau and Tonette Orejas, PDI Central Luzon Desk

VIRTUALLY no one is supporting the proposal of new Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes to legalize "jueteng." Not the lawmakers, not the law enforcers, not the leftists, not the Catholic Church. Not even President Macapagal-Arroyo who appointed him.

"The position of the Palace is clear. We are against the legalization of jueteng," presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said in a statement yesterday.

The hasty clarification was issued a day after Reyes disclosed his plan, which immediately raised a furor among antigambling advocates led by church officials.

"Let's legalize jueteng," the new secretary said on Monday. "This …