A councilor has decried the operations of online cockfighting or “sabong” in various off-track betting stations in Quezon City, saying that the game needs the explicit approval or grant of a franchise by the City Council through an ordinance to be considered legal.
Councilor Victor Ferrer Jr. said the OTBs that accept online sabong bets in Quezon City only have business permits from the Mayor’s Office but these are not sufficient unless there is an ordinance authorizing such activity.
“The Local Government Code is very clear; it specifically lists cockfighting as one of the amusement activities that must be regulated by the Sangguniang Panglunsod and as such, the taking or receiving of bets for the game and the payment of the winnings within the city, whether conducted live or through whatever means, falls under our jurisdiction,” Ferrer said.
He cited Section 458 of the Local Government Code which enumerates the powers, duties, functions and compensation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, particularly the specific provision on cockfighting, that says:
“(v). any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license the establishment, operation, and maintenance of cockpits, and regulate cockfighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks: Provided, that existing rights should not be prejudiced.”
“As it stands, the City Council has not passed any ordinance allowing this so-called e-sabong or online cockfighting in Quezon City, and my view is that these are illegal even though the concerned OTBs have secured business permits from City Hall,” Ferrer said. (Chito A. Chavez)