Taxi drivers arrested for alleged illegal gambling in Manila
Twelve drivers have been for allegedly placing online cockfighting bets during work hours.
The Philippines.- Twelve public transport drivers have been arrested at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) for allegedly engaging in e-sabong, online cockfighting betting, which has been banned in the Philippines since June 2025.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the operation, prompted by a tip-off, was conducted by the SPD Special Operations Unit with support from the District Intelligence Division and Paranaque City Police Substation 3.
The suspects, aged between 35 and 63, include nine taxi drivers, a ride-hailing app driver, a modern jeepney conductor, and a jeepney operator. They were apprehended at the PITX Taxi Lane in Barangay Tambo while allegedly placing bets via mobile phones during their work shifts.
Police seized two mobile phones and PHP 3,545 (US$61). The drivers face charges under Presidential Decree 1602, which penalises illegal gambling in the country.
Brigadier General Randy Arceo, SPD Director, said: “This isn’t just about gambling—it’s about accountability. When drivers gamble away their income and take it out on the commuting public through overpriced fares, that becomes a matter of public safety.”
Police said that some of the arrested drivers admitted to overcharging passengers to recoup gambling losses.
