President Noynoy Aquino is opposed to the legalization of jueteng and other numbers game in the country even though it could generate additional funds for government.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President actually “frowns” on jueteng and other illegal gambling activities in the country.

The latest remarks from the Palace were made after Archbishop Oscar Cruz reportedly urged the President to disclose his policy on state-sponsored gambling.

Lacierda, however, declined to release the official policy towards gambling until he obtains clearance from the President.

“Remember that Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) is a revenue agency. It does provide benefits if used properly but until such time, I have not discussed with the President his policy on gambling,” Lacierda told reporters in the Palace.

“Definitely he frowns on jueteng, he frowns on illegal gambling. As what he intends to do with Pagcor, that is a separate matter,” he added.

Asked about the legalization of jueteng and other number games, Lacierda: “Whatever is now legal, that’s it. But jueteng which is illegal, he will not agree to that.”

President Aquino earlier appointed his former classmate, Cristino Naguiat, as new chairman of the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Naguiat took his oath of office last Friday in the Palace.

Lacierda revealed that Naguiat was able to stop an illegal disbursement of P26 million in the state gambling firm last July 1. He however could not provide details.

“We were discussing these things in the context of each cabinet discovering the lay of the land. Were there landmines left by the past administration? They should review all things in their respective departments,” he said.