Abalos denies new ‘sabong’ modernization directive from DILG (Sabong News)
Author
Chito Chavez
Date
OCTOBER 17 2022
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘”Benhur” Abalos Jr. warned the public against the proliferation of fake documents pertaining to the modernization of cockpit operations.
This, after he confirmed receiving reports that an ‘unnumbered and unsigned memorandum circular with the subject “Guidelines on the Modernization of Cockpit Operation or Cockfigthing’’ that found its way to all the local government units (LGUs) had given the wrong public impression that these were related to cockfighting operation or “sabong”.
Abalos clarified that the MC was a “spurious and unofficial document”, and advised cockfighting aficionados to trust only official sources.
“Official copies of DILG issuances may be accessed at our website (www.dilg.gov.ph), while official statements, reports and updates are posted through our social media pages,’’ Abalos asserted.
Abalos stated that the most recent official DILG directive pertaining to cockpit operations was DILG MC No. 2022-003 dated Jan. 19, 2022 with the subject “Guidelines on the Resumption of Cockpit Operations or Cockfighting in Areas Under Alert level 2 or Lower.’’
Under the MC, only technology-based platforms and cashless betting are allowed to prevent the physical contact or exchange of bets inside the cockpit arena.
Cockfigthing bettors Erap Santos and Sonny Andrade and their bet taker alias ‘Cacho’ of Marilao, Bulacan insisted that the physical transfer of bets are now legal as they pointed to the ‘fake’ DILG MC to stress their point.
They were dumbfounded when informed that the DILG had not issued any directive after MC No. 2022-003 dated Jan. 19, 2022.
“Tumataya kami at binibigay ang tama gaya ng dati bago pa mag ka Covid. Ganyan ngayon ang kalakaran. Alam namin na legal ito pero hindi pala (We place bets and hand out cash like we used to do during the pre-Covid pandemic days. That is how it is done now. We thought that it is legal but it is not),’’ Cacho said when presented with Abalos’ statement. (Chito A. Chavez)
