The coronavirus pandemic will no longer be a hindrance to cockfighting afficionados here and elsewhere as the city council passed a resolution that allows the conduct of online cockfights called the “e-sabong.”Sabong is Filipino for cockfight.Resolution VIII-48-710 indicated no objection on the conduct of cockfighting operations and in the application for accreditation by Belvedere Vista Corp. for livestreaming and broadcasting of cockfights at the Tarlac Amusement Center.The resolution, sponsored by Council Committee Chairman on Games and Amusement Roel Quiroz, stated that cockfighting activities at the amusement center must comply with existing laws and applicable protocols during the state of public health emergency.Such laws include Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2020-140, inter-agency task force regulations and local ordinances, among others.The DILG circular serves as a guideline in the resumption of cockpit operations and cockfighting in areas under modified general community quarantine or lower where cashless betting via e-wallet, mobile phones and tablets are highly encouraged.The resolution listed down limitations set under the circular, including prohibition of “person audience, online or remote betting and live broadcasting/telecasting of cockfighting.”Cockfighting as a centuries-old pastime, it said, has been and continues to be a popular, traditional and customary form of recreation and entertainment among Filipinos.“Its promotion may be used as a vehicle for the preservation and perpetuation of native Filipino heritage and the enhancement of our national identity,” the resolution added.“The advancement in information and communication technology has made possible the livestreaming of ‘sabong’ thereby making it also possible for its aficionados to indulge their passion in the safety of their homes,” it said.The resolution’s passage was seen as consistent with the national government’s efforts to raise much-needed funds.
