Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9287)
The policy of the State is to promote a just and dynamic social order ensuring prosperity, independence, freedom from poverty, adequate social services, full employment, rising living standards, improved quality of life, and social justice by condemning illegal gambling activities and adopting stringent measures to eradicate illegal numbers games.
An Illegal Numbers Game is any form of illegal gambling activity using numbers or combinations thereof as factors in giving out jackpots.
Jueteng is an illegal numbers game involving the combination of thirty-seven (37) numbers against thirty-seven (37) numbers from 1 to 37 or thirty-eight (38) numbers in some areas, functioning as a local lottery with bets placed per combination.
A bettor in an illegal numbers game shall suffer imprisonment from thirty (30) days to ninety (90) days.
A collector or agent shall suffer imprisonment from eight (8) years and one (1) day to ten (10) years.
They shall suffer imprisonment from twelve (12) years and one (1) day to twenty (20) years, a fine from Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00) to Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00), and perpetual absolute disqualification from public office.
They face imprisonment from six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year or a fine ranging from One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to Four hundred thousand pesos (P400,000.00), and upon conviction, loss of authority over the minor or ward.
The possession of any gambling paraphernalia and other materials used in illegal numbers game operations is prima facie evidence of an offense.
They are subject to perpetual disqualification from public office in addition to other penalties.
All proceeds, gambling paraphernalia, instruments of the crime, including real or personal property used or acquired, shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the State.