Pagcor chief: Fate of e-sabong known 'at soonest possible time' (Sabong News)
Author
Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino
Date
AUGUST 30 2022
CHAIRMAN and CEO Alejandro Tengco of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) said a decision will have to be made "at the soonest possible time" on whether or not e-sabong operations will be allowed to continue.
"I have not had a chance to discuss the matter with the members of the board nor have I also discussed the matter with [...] President [Bongbong] Marcos [Jr.] so I cannot make a categorical answer as of today," Tengco said in response to a query from Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Franz Pumaren during a briefing on Tuesday.
There were operators who had asked Pumaren whether e-sabong would be allowed to continue or not. The lawmaker said that he was requested to ask because "they're paying rent right now, they're incurring expenses."
Tengco shared that he had also received such queries about e-sabong.
"I can only say that in response to those questions that we are getting, I suppose we will have to make a decision very soon or at the soonest possible time," Tengco said.
"But then again, we will have to consider all the different issues and, with that, maybe come up with either we affirm [...] the decision of the previous administration or we do certain changes," he added.
"Ang natitiyak ko po ay isa rin po iyan sa kaagad na pag-aaralan ng Pagcor at magsusumite ng isang rekomendasyon sa pangulo ng Pilipinas (What I can be sure of is that it will be up for review by Pagcor and a recommendation will be submitted to the President of the Philippines)," he said.
In May, then-president Rodrigo Duterte ordered a stop to e-sabong operations.
On Tuesday, Pagcor met with the House of Representatives' Committee on Appropriations, which deliberated on the agency's allocation under the proposed 2023 national budget bill.
