Bawal pa rin! Marcos keeps ban on e-sabong ‘to protect public health, morals,’ orders crackdown vs violators
E-sabong or online cockfighting operations are still suspended upon the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The President kept the suspension of all e-sabong operations across the country in a bid to protect public health and morals. Law enforcement authorities have been directed to run after those behind illegal e-sabong operations.
The latest presidential directive is contained in Executive Order No. 9 issued on December 28.
“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,” the order read.
EO said the State “has the paramount obligation to protect public health and morals and promote public safety and general welfare.”
Under the order, live-streaming or broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits or cockfighting arenas or premises where cockfights are being held remain suspended.
The EO also prohibits online/remote, or off-cockpit wagering/betting on live cockfighting matches and/or activities streamed or broadcast live, regardless of the location of the betting platform.
Marcos ordered Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies to implement the e-sabong suspension.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been mobilized to assist PAGCOR and take action against violators.
PACCOR, DILG and PNP have been tasked to submit regular reports to the president.
Back in May, President Rodrigo Duterte stopped online cockfighting operations in the country despite previously flaunting government revenues from these games. Duterte was concerned about the adverse impact of e-sabong on families.
