tong
gambling bribe/share; illegal collection
Usage Note
Tong is street slang for protection money, kickbacks, or a corrupt official's share from illegal gambling operations. It is deeply embedded in discussions of Philippine police corruption and underground economy. The term is used in investigative journalism and everyday conversation about graft.
Examples
" Bawal ang tong sa pulis. "
Natural Translation
Bribes are not allowed for the police.
Literal Translation
Forbidden the bribe to police.
" Nanghingi ng tong ang pulis. "
Natural Translation
The police asked for an illegal collection.
Literal Translation
Asked of illegal collection the police.
" Inilantad ng mamamahayag kung paano kinokolekta ang tong mula sa mga ilegal na sugalan sa lungsod. "
Natural Translation
The journalist exposed how the illegal collection is gathered from the illegal gambling dens in the city.
Literal Translation
Exposed by-the journalist how is-collected the illegal-collection from the illegal link gambling-dens in city.
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