In a decisive move, Philippine senators have stated that there will be no revival of e-sabong, the online betting platform for cockfighting, despite discussions within the country. The controversial practice has been compared to the recently banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with some senators arguing that e-sabong is far more harmful.
Philippine Senators Firmly Reject Revival of e-Sabong Amid Social Concerns
Senator Joel Villanueva’s Strong Opposition
Leading the charge against e-sabong, Senator Joel Villanueva expressed deep concerns about its impact on the local population. He labeled e-sabong as “far worse than POGOs,” citing the direct and detrimental effects it has on Filipino communities. Villanueva highlighted the disappearance of 34 online cockfighting enthusiasts since 2022, who are feared to have been murdered, as a stark example of the dangers associated with the practice.
“We have just defeated an enemy with the POGO ban, and now some are considering resurrecting e-sabong, which is far worse because it directly targets our ‘kababayans’ from all walks of life,” Villanueva stated.
He further emphasized the need for the Philippines to seek revenue from legitimate and sustainable sources rather than from gambling, which he believes imposes severe social costs.
Broader Senate Opposition
Villanueva’s stance is shared by other senators, including Senator Imee Marcos, who also opposes the revival of e-sabong. Senator Marcos reiterated her position by saying, “E-sabong is gone. POGO is gone, and suddenly there’s remote sabong again. We need to stop this.” Both senators have been consistent in their opposition to gambling in the Philippines, with Villanueva previously advocating for a bill to ban all forms of online gambling in the country.
PAGCOR’s Position on e-Sabong
Despite the strong opposition from the Senate, PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) Chairperson Alejandro Tengco has suggested that the agency could implement a more controlled and regulated e-sabong operation. Tengco recalled the initiative’s significant revenue generation before it was banned during the Duterte administration, which amounted to over PHP6 billion (US$0.11 billion) annually.
However, PAGCOR has also admitted that illegal e-sabong activities persist, with 789 operations still active despite the ban, reflecting the challenges of enforcing the prohibition.
Conclusion: The Rejection
The rejection of e-sabong by Philippine senators underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to balance the need for revenue with the social costs of gambling. While PAGCOR remains open to exploring a more regulated approach, the strong opposition from key senators suggests that the revival of e-sabong is unlikely in the near future. The debate highlights the broader issues surrounding gambling regulation in the Philippines and the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from potential harm.
FAQs About Philippines Senators Reject Revival of e-Sabong
1. What decision have Philippine senators made regarding e-sabong?
Philippine senators have firmly rejected the revival of e-sabong, the online cockfighting betting platform, due to its adverse impacts on local communities and social concerns.
2. Why do senators view e-sabong as harmful?
Senator Joel Villanueva has criticized e-sabong as being “far worse than POGOs” because it directly affects Filipino people, citing the disappearance of 34 online cockfighting enthusiasts who are feared to have been murdered as evidence of its dangers.
3. What has Senator Joel Villanueva said about e-sabong?
Senator Villanueva stated that e-sabong is a significant threat to Filipino communities and emphasized the need for revenue sources that are legitimate and sustainable. He criticized the idea of reviving e-sabong as a poor choice compared to other revenue options.
4. How do other senators view the revival of e-sabong?
Senator Imee Marcos shares the opposition to e-sabong, stating that its revival would be detrimental. She has called for an end to any consideration of reintroducing the practice, following the ban of both e-sabong and POGOs.
5. What is PAGCOR’s stance on e-sabong?
PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco has suggested that e-sabong could be managed more effectively with better regulations. He noted the substantial revenue it generated before the ban and mentioned that illegal e-sabong operations are still active.
6. What revenue did e-sabong generate before its ban?
Before the ban, e-sabong generated over PHP6 billion (US$0.11 billion) annually.
7. How many illegal e-sabong operations are currently active?
Despite the ban, PAGCOR reports that 789 illegal e-sabong operations continue to operate.
8. What are the broader implications of the senators’ decision?
The senators’ decision reflects a broader commitment to addressing the social costs of gambling while seeking alternative revenue sources that do not harm local communities. The ongoing enforcement challenges highlight the complexities of regulating gambling in the Philippines.
9. Why is the Senate opposed to all forms of online gambling?
Senator Villanueva, among others, has been a strong opponent of online gambling, arguing that it poses significant social costs and should be banned in favor of more sustainable and less harmful revenue sources.
