kotong
kotóng with stress marks
ask for a bribe; extort
Usage Note
Kotong is a colloquial term for extortion or bribery, especially by law enforcement officers who demand payment from motorists or vendors. The practice is widely acknowledged and criticized in Philippine society, and the verb form mangotong is common in both news reports and everyday speech.
Examples
" Bawal mangotong ang pulis. "
Natural Translation
Police are not allowed to extort.
Literal Translation
Prohibited to-extort the police.
" Bawal ang kotong sa daan. "
Natural Translation
Asking for a bribe is prohibited on the road.
Literal Translation
Prohibited the extortion on-the road.
" Madalas ireklamo ng mga tsuper na may pulis na nangongotong sa kanila tuwing dumadaan sila sa abalang sangang-daan. "
Natural Translation
Drivers often complain that there are police who extort from them whenever they pass through the busy intersection.
Literal Translation
Often complained by-the drivers that has police who extorting from them whenever passing they at-the busy intersection.
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