The great underground economy of the Philippines

WHETHER its drugs, jueteng (illegal lottery), smuggling, prostitution, or the like, there’s a lot going on in the illegal underground economy that gives jobs and livelihoods to thousands, probably millions, of Filipinos.

Along with them are a host of balut (duck embryo egg snack), fishball and other vendors of various items; tricycles, pedicabs and jeepneys and the little shops that repair them; and manicurists, masseuses, barbers and household helpers all legitimate occupations, but no less underground.