President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the continued suspension of e-sabong operations nationwide.
“There is an urgent need to reiterate the continued suspension of all e-sabong operations nationwide, clarify the scope of existing regulations and direct relevant agencies to pursue aggressive crackdown against illegal e-sabong operations, in accordance with law,” based on the Executive Order (EO) No. 9, signed by Marcos on December 28.
The order includes the suspension of live streaming or broadcasting of live cockfights outside the cockpits or cockfighting arenas, or premises where the cockfighting is held.
The EO also covers the ban on online/remote, or off-cockpit wagering/betting in live cockfighting matches or activities that are streamed or broadcast live anywhere or on any betting platform.
While the operation of traditional cockfights authorized or licensed under the law is not covered by the suspension.
Marcos insisted that it is the government’s obligation to protect public health and morals and promote public safety and the general welfare of the people.
The President also instructed the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to coordinate with local government units (LGUs), and other relevant government agencies and private entities for the implementation of EO No. 9.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are also instructed to implement the order and take appropriate action against those who violate it.
Suspension of e-sabong extended by Marcos
It can be recalled that former president Rodrigo Duterte stopped the operation of e-sabong on May 3, 2022.
“And yung impact sa pamilya pati sa tao e ang labas, di na natutulog yung mga sabungero” Duterte said.
(The impact on the family and the people turns out cockfight players don’t even sleep.)
After initially rejecting senators’ proposal to ban e-sabong until the disappearance of over 30 cockfight enthusiasts was resolved, Duterte ordered the survey.
He had previously mentioned the possibility of revenue loss if e-sabong operations were halted.
Duterte claimed he had permitted e-sabong to continue because the epidemic has depleted other funds.
“Saan ako maghanap ng P640 million a month, so I allowed it,” Duterte previously said.
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