E-Sabong stopped

THE GOVERNMENT has sopped the operations of so-called “e-Sabong” or online cockfighting because of its social cost to Filipinos, particularly after the Interior department made a recommendation to do so.

President Duterte issued an order stopping e-Sabong operations in the country after Interior Secretary Eduardo Año recommended it, citing the social impact of gambling on the people.

Duterte previously rejected proposals by lawmakers to stop the operation of the e-Sabong considering the huge revenues the government gets from it.

Lawmakers wanted operation of e-sabong stopped after dozens of cockfight aficionados were abducted by gunmen. They remain missing.

“The DILG welcomes the President’s decision to stop e-Sabong. Government policies must take heed of the pulse of the people. This decision is rooted in a survey reflecting the sentiment of the people. Hindi ito bara-bara na desisyon,” Año said.

“The President’s decision based on public sentiment against on-line gambling is a sign of the responsive governance of his administration. It serves the common good and the preservation of the moral fabric of our society,” he added while clarifying that the traditional physical sabong will continue to operate with compliance to minimum public health standards.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has approved six companies to engage in e-Sabong last year. e-Sabong is an remote or off-site wagering or betting on live cockfighting matches, events, and activities streamed or broadcasted live from cockpit arenas. (Mindanao Examiner)