Online cockfighting in the Philippines, called eSabong, should be suspended. That’s the refrain of influential lawmakers, who are calling on the regulator of eSabong to act.
This could be a mistake, says Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) Chairwoman Andrea Domingo, whose organization regulates the sport. Suspending it before hearing from a probe into the disappearance of 34 persons connected with the sport could leave the regulator the target of litigation, she said.
Two dozen Philippine senators called for a suspension of the online games, which are very popular. Media reports have alleged possible match fixing in connection with the disappearances.
Philippine President Duterte has not commented on the suspension.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa declared, “You have the responsibility. You regulate eSabong and we have a problem with eSabong so we are expecting that you do your job.”
Domingo, speaking at the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ investigation, commented, “Although we do respect the resolution from 24 (sic) senators for us to suspend immediately eSabong operations, we stand at the peril of having to pay P640-million while we suspend the operations without clear and legal basis.” She added, “We have to look into the repercussions. In the final analysis, it would be PAGCOR who would be responsible for the final decision.”
She said she planned to ask the explicit permission of Duterte before suspending the online cockfighting.
The first eSabong licenses were granted in May 2021. There are now seven licensed online cockfighting businesses. The games caused a jump of more than 27 percent in online gaming revenue. They were introduced to give the government a handle on illegal gambling and raise revenue.
The most recent disappearance involved 10 men who vanished shortly after being seen at cockfighting arenas in January. Others disappeared last year.
