Some barangay officials moonlighting as online sabong agents (Sabong News)
Author
Chito Chavez
Date
FEBRUARY 09 2021
Some barangay officials are moonlighting as agents of e-sabong, or cockfighting streamed online which is now gaining popularity amid restrictions on its operation due to the threat of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Jayson San Jose said that in Quezon City for instance, there were some barangay officials who earn commission from the total bets garnered as agents of online sabong.
“Some even had the gall to post their luxurious items they obtained from their commission,” said San Jose who works as a personal assistant in Quezon City.
The involvement of some barangay officials in online sabong raises fears that they may neglect their duty as public servants and would even tolerate the culture of gambling in their communities.
Sought for comment, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya would not say if online sabong is legal.
He simply said to refer to DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-140 signed by Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano on October 23, 2020.
Under Section 5 of the Memorandum Circular, it states that “no live streaming devices shall be allowed inside the arena. In-person audience, online or remote betting and the live broadcasting/telecasting of cockfighting are prohibited.’’
In the same MC, the general provisions in section 4 states that “in areas placed under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) or lower, the operation of licensed cockpits and the conduct of cockfighting activities may be allowed’’ provided that health and safety protocols of section 5 of the MC are followed.
But Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte maintained that ‘online sabong or off-cockpit betting’ is still illegal in the city vowing to conduct an investigation on the supposed involvement of barangay officials and their cohorts in the illegal gambling activity.
