‘E-sabong’ continues, defying government ban, Senate probe finds

Title E-Sabong Despite Ban, Illegal Online Cockfighting Continues to Thrive in the Philippines

The Philippine government's 2022 ban on illegal online cockfighting, or e-sabong, has had little impact on its widespread operation. During a recent joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, senators presented real-time evidence demonstrating the persistence of this illegal industry.

Concrete Evidence

Sen. Raffy Tulfo presented compelling real-time footage of an ongoing e-sabong match during the hearing, highlighting the ease with which online betting on cockfights remains accessible to the public. This disturbing revelation left committee members stunned, as it underscored the failure of authorities to dismantle illegal e-sabong operations.

Accessible Online Platforms

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also showcased an active e-sabong website that remained accessible as recently as Tuesday. However, he noted that the site temporarily went offline after news of the Senate inquiry spread, possibly indicating that operators are adapting to avoid detection.

Concerns and Questions

Tulfo questioned why authorities have failed to dismantle illegal operations despite their apparent visibility online. Why are they not being stopped and arrested when law enforcement agencies know about these activities? he asked during the hearing.

Gambling Kingpin's Involvement

Tulfo alleged that the livestreamed e-sabong match is linked to a prominent gambling kingpin based in Central Luzon who had been operating as recently as last year. He identified Pineda and Bernos as allegedly involved in illegal e-sabong operations in several regions.

Uneven Enforcement

Tulfo lamented the uneven enforcement of anti-illegal gambling laws, noting that authorities appear to focus on small-time gambling activities while major operators continue to evade arrest. He highlighted the disparity between local games targeted in police raids and large-scale e-sabong networks.

Call to Action

The Senate panel will continue its inquiry, potentially recommending stricter monitoring of online gambling platforms, amendments to existing laws, and enhanced coordination among regulatory and law enforcement bodies to prevent the resurgence of e-sabong operations. The persistence of illegal e-sabong underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address this entrenched issue.

Conclusion

The ongoing operation of illegal e-sabong in the Philippines serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to combat this endemic problem. As professionals, it is essential that we emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of this issue and work together to develop effective solutions.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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