Philippine Senator Opposes Revival of Online Cockfighting
Date: 2024-08-19 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: EVENTS
The Philippines legalized online sabong activities several years ago, with the expectation that virtual cockfighting would generate significant tax revenue. However, despite the multi-million dollar revenues generated by operators, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) have failed to collect all the taxes owed from the activity.
As a result, virtual cockfighting was banned again in May 2022. The move came after the BIR admitted that online gaming operators had failed to pay all the taxes owed. Despite the ban, discussions around the possible revival of online sabong continue.
Senator Joel Villanueva recently dismissed proposals to reintroduce the practice. In his speech, he noted that the return of online sabong would be even more damaging than the recently banned offshore gambling operators (POGOs).
Earlier this year, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos effectively banned POGOs amid growing concerns about their links to crime. However, proponents of online sabong are pushing for its return, arguing that it will help fill the budget gap left by the POGOs ban. Senator Villanueva strongly disagrees.
In an interview with the Manila Standard, he stressed that the Philippines must find sustainable sources of revenue. “We have just defeated one enemy with the POGOs ban, but the revival of online sabong will be even worse as it directly threatens our citizens, regardless of their social status,” the senator said.
Priority is the welfare of the people
Senator Villanueva also spoke out on the negative impact of gambling. He warned of the devastating impact of gambling on families and lives. “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our citizens who fall prey to the traps of gambling. Money should not be our only priority; the welfare of our people should come first,” he added.
Comparing POGOs and online sabong, the senator pointed out that both activities are harmful to families across the country. According to him, they lead to financial hardship and the accumulation of debts related to gambling.
Earlier, Villanueva introduced Senate Bill 1281, calling for a complete ban on any form of online gambling.
Despite the government’s efforts, illegal online cockfighting dens continue to operate. A recent hearing revealed that there are still around 800 online sabong operations operating in the country, defying the ban imposed in 2022.
