Pampanga Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda reiterated the provincial government’s directive on the prohibition of online or e-sabong.
This came after reports that unlicensed and illegal online cockfighting operations are still being conducted by some groups and individuals despite its suspension by the national government.
“I am directing all local chief executives, barangay officials, and members of the police to strictly implement the ban on e-sabong by bringing to justice all persons engaged in the said illegal operations so that they may be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Pineda said in a memorandum.
The governor also reminded the officials and law enforcement officers to comply with and observe all the pertinent issuances of the Office of the President, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the provincial government relative to online cockfighting operations.
It can be noted that on May 4, 2022, Pineda issued Executive Order No. 16-2022, implementing the directives of the President and PAGCOR to e-sabong operators to shut down all gaming websites and cease gaming operations.
This is in accordance with the approval of then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the cessation of e-sabong operations upon the recommendation of former DILG Secretary Eduardo Año.
Subsequently, on May 4, PAGCOR directed all e-sabong operators to shut down all gaming websites and cease gaming operations, including all accredited auxiliary operations and off-cockpit betting stations effective immediately. (PIA 3)
