House panel OKs franchise for e-sabong firm

MANILA, Philippines — Despite opposition from some lawmakers, the House ways and means committee approved on Monday a bill that would grant another online cockfighting firm a franchise to operate offsite betting stations.

The panel approved House Bill No. 10204, granting Visayas Cockers Club Inc. a 25-year franchise to operate offsite betting stations anywhere in the Philippines.

Under the bill filed by Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., the Visayas Cockers Club would be allowed to broadcast live and data streamed cockfighting activities and derbies through online and other similar means.

The measure will also allow the e-sabong firm to construct, establish, operate and maintain on-cockpit and off-cockpit betting stations.

—NESTOR CORRALES
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