Duterte says he’s okay with cops in illegal video karera operations

President Rodrigo Duterte may have given police officers the go-ahead to be involved in illegal video karera operations.

In a speech in which he said it was okay for police to dabble in business and accept gifts from thankful benefactors, Duterte said he didn't care if officers earned from the outlawed betting game in their area of responsibility.

“‘Yang karera sa inyong AOR,  inyo naman ‘yan, wala akong pakialam. Sige ibigay mo sa pulis," Duterte said at Camp Crame during the 118th anniversary of the police service in the country.

"Hindi mo rin talaga mapigilan. Alam mo 'yang pulis, even sa pamilya nila hirap ‘yan,” he added.

Duterte, however, warned police officers to control their greed.

“Alam ko ‘yung laro. Basta wala lang lokohan.  If you are just content, maybe if you want P50,000 and you are able to get something like 25 or 20, be content," Duterte said.

"Do not allow your greed to run away with all the... alam mo na. Kalokohan,” he added.

Duterte said police officers should not be involved in illegal drug operations.

“I’m telling you to relay this message sa mga tao na just na rendahan mo ‘yung walang katapusan," Duterte said.

"Look at the police officers who are involved in drugs. You are a police officer of PNP, general kayo tapos papasok kayo (sa illegal drugs). ‘Yan ang mahirap. Do not ever commit the mistake,” he added.

Duterte said police officers may also receive gifts from generous and thankful benefactors.

Duterte said he did not consider gift-giving bribery.

“Kung bigyan kayo tanggapin n’yo. It is not bribery... What I mean is if there is generosity in them. Sabi ng anti-graft you cannot accept gifts. Kalokohan,” Duterte said.

He said there was no problem with a gift especially if it was given by people who were only expressing their gratitude.

“You guys from Davao, alam n’yo yan. If you are able to solve a crime  and the family would like to be generous to you or a feeling of gratitude for what you accomplished, by all means accept it,” Duterte said. —NB, GMA News