According to Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who cited information from Senator Ronald dela Rosa, President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to ban e-sabong or online cockfighting or “e-sabong” licenses awaiting the settlement of the cases of 31 missing cockfighting aficionados or “sabungeros.”
“Sen. Dela Rosa informed me that PRRD told him yesterday that he agrees!” Sotto said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Malacanang has advised the public to wait for a statement from President Duterte himself.
“Abangan na lang natin mamaya sa Talk to the People, or even before that kung meron kaming ilalabas na announcement,” acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said at a press briefing.
(Let’s just wait for an announcement later during the Talk to the People, or even before that.)
Dela Rosa is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which is looking into the disappearance of the 31 sabungeros. He is a staunch ally of Duterte.
Sotto and Senator Panfilo Lacson presented a resolution last Thursday in the Senate, requesting Duterte order the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to halt e-sabong activities temporarily.
Duterte approves suspension of e-sabong operations – Sotto
Belvedere Vista Corp., Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., Visayas Cockers Club Inc., Jade Entertainment And Gaming Technologies, Inc., Newin Cockers Alliance Gaming Corp., Philippine Cockfighting International Inc., and Golden Buzzer, Inc. all have e-sabong licenses that the suspension will cover.
PAGCOR Acting Assistant Vice President for E-Sabong Department Diane Erica Jogno stated that the agency would abide by the e-sabong license suspension.
“We are okay with suspending e-sabong, and we will secure approval from the Office of the President,” Jogno previously said.
The next hearing will take place on Friday, March 4th.
Police General Dionardo Carlos, the Philippine National Police commander, has acknowledged that detectives are now looking into the cases of 31 missing people, up from the previous count of 29.
Authorities are coordinating with different banks due to allegations of ATM cash withdrawals made by unidentified persons using the victims’ bank accounts.
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