FILE PHOTO: Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, chairman of Senate public order and dangerous drugs opens an inquiry into the rising number of missing cockfight players on Thursday, February 24, 2022. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to immediately act on their proposal to suspend the operations of “e-sabong” or online cockfighting in the country.
Dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, confirmed that the proposal got the support of no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.
“He said in bisaya ‘sige!’ Which means approval or agreement,” the senator said in a text message.
A resolution calling for the suspension was approved by the panel last Thursday when it opened its own inquiry into the missing cockfight aficionados.
READ: Senate panel moves to halt e-sabong; Pagcor okays suspension
Though it immediately expressed its readiness to heed the senators’ proposal, Pagcor, through its Acting Assistant Vice President for E-Sabong Department Diane Erica Jogno, said it has yet to seek the President’s approval.
“Our resolution is addressed to Pagcor. Pagcor said that they are in favor [of] the resolution but it has to ask clearance from the President before acting on it,” Dela Rosa explained.
But since Duterte has given his approval to the suspension, Dela Rosa said the next move now will be up to Pagcor.
“Yes. Dapat actionan na nila agad at hindi na maghintay na madagdagan na naman ang number ng missing persons,” he pointed out.
The resolution suspending e-sabong was initiated by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
According to Sotto, Pagcor should suspend the licenses of e-sabong operators “until we find an acceptable conclusion to what’s happening to these 31 missing personalities.”
Dela Rosa’s panel is set to resume its hearing on the missing cockfight enthusiasts on Friday, March 4.
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