PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the continued nationwide suspension and crackdown on e-sabong or electronic cockfighting.
Last Wednesday, Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) No. 9 extending indefinitely the suspension on auxiliary e-sabong operations, which was first implemented by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte on May 3.
The restriction will cover live-streaming or broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits or cockfighting arenas or other premises where cockfights are held.
Also suspended are online/remote 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.
The order does not cover traditional cockfights authorized or licensed under existing laws.
Marcos issued EO 9 amid questions on whether the suspension will remain in effect following the change of administration.
“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,” Marcos said in his three-page EO 9.
He instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to coordinate with local government units (LGUs), other concerned government agencies, private entities, authorities to ensure the suspension will be fully implemented.
Pagcor will be assisted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in prosecuting those who will violate the suspension.