The House Committee on Games and Amusement has demanded police and local government action against online “sabong” or cockfights that have proliferated as a result of the live television airing of cockfighting matches.
Committee chairman Paranaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting said police action is necessary to stop illegal gambling activities using television programs that air live or taped cockfighting events.
Tambunting disclosed that the committee has scheduled public hearings on illegal online sabong activities and betting stations that have flourished in the country, particularly in Quezon City, Caloocan City, Pasay City, and Manila.
Anac IP partylist Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr., in House Resolution No. 598, stressed that any cockfight events and betting that are done outside authorized cockpits are prohibited under Presidential Decree No. 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.
Reports reaching Tambunting’s office revealed that unauthorized cockfight betting are being operated alternately at off track horse racing betting stations or keno outlets run by the Philippine Chairty Sweepstakes Office. (Ben R. Rosario)
