The Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) of Tagbilaran approved a measure that outlaws the e-sabong or online cockfighting and other forms of illegal online gambling.
The SP approved in its session on Feb. 2, 2023, the ordinance amending section 167(a) of City Ordinance C-201 or the 2007 Revised Code of Administrative Ordinances of Tagbilaran City.
The amendment makes the conduct of e-sabong and other forms of illegal online gambling illegal within the territorial jurisdiction of the capital city of Bohol.
The SP, led by Vice Mayor Adam Jala, acted on local police request to amend the ordinance to include e-sabong and other forms of illegal online gambling among the ourlawed gambling practices in the city.
There have been reports that there are some people who have become hooked or addicted to e-sabong here in the city.
Under section 167, other illegal gambling activities are jueteng, illegal cockfight, masiao, swertres, card games and other similar games of chance that is unregulated by the government.
Earlier, President Marcos back in December 2022, ordered the extension of the suspension of e-sabong or online cockfighting in the country.
The president cited the need to protect public morals and safety as the reason behind the continued suspension of e-sabong operations in the country.
Marcos’ order indefinitely suspends e-sabong operations. It is not allowed to live stream any cockfights outside cockfighting arenas or places where cockfights are being held.
The order also prohibits the online and offline betting in matches and other related activities streamed live and regardless of the platform used in betting on the cockfights.