Four men were jailed for betting on unauthorized online cockfighting in Pasay City. One of the suspects admitted that what they were doing was wrong, but that is how the Filipinos really are.
In a report by Mai Bermudez on GMA News “Unang Balita” on Tuesday, it was said that four men were arrested in Barangay 201 in the said city Monday night.
They were the only suspects betting rather than at off-cockpit betting stations (OCBS) or authorized wager bets, and their betting was not regulated.
One of the detainees attributed the long queue to the online cockfighting bet.
“Nagsesenyasan lang po kasi nga maraming tumataya, hindi na umaabot. May oras po kasi,” said one suspect Rolando Reyes.
“May cashier po sila. Siyempre sa dami ng tao roon, punong-puno siya, alam niyo naman po kapag ganoong sabong, maraming sabong. Pilipino kasi, siyempre hindi maiwasan ‘yung magkatawaran pa rin ng ganoon kahit alam na mali. Inaamin naman namin na mali kami kasi nandoon na eh. Hindi naman po kami ano kasi talagang Pilipino eh,” said Reyes.
One of the arrested said that many more gamblers were not caught in the crowd.
Those arrested will be charged with violating Presidential Decree 1602.
Pasay Police said OCBS are authorized by PAGCOR as online cockfighting bets.
Bettors at unauthorized online cockfighting in Pasay arrested
There are also registered pitmaster agents where gamblers can load and play using their cellphone.
In May, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) only allowed two operators to operate after completing the requirements, including the performance bond of P75 million.
It is estimated that PAGCOR can earn up to P250 million to P350 million per month from such gambling.
In February, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said the unchecked online sabong or cockfighting in the country lowered lotto sales.
According to PCSO general manager Royina Garma, the online sabong has become rampant due to quarantine restrictions.
Cockpit arenas were still not allowed to open as social distancing was enforced to prevent COVID-19 transmissions.