President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered the continued suspension of e-sabong nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Philippines.- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr<\/strong> has issued an executive order for the continued suspension of electronic sabong (e-sabong) operations nationwide. Former president Rodrigo Duterte suspended legal online cockfighting<\/a> in May after 23 senators signed Resolution No. 996 calling for a suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marcos signed EO No. 9 on December 28 to ensure the state\u2019s \u201cparamount obligation to protect public health and morals, and to promote public safety and general welfare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The order reads: “There is an urgent need to reiterate the continued suspension of all e-sabong operations nationwide, clarify the scope of existing regulations and direct relevant agencies to pursue aggressive crackdown against illegal e-sabong operations, in accordance with law.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the resolution, live-streaming or broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits or cockfighting arenas or premises where cockfights are being held will remain suspended. EO 9 also suspends online\/remote, or off-cockpit wagering\/betting on live cockfighting matches and\/or activities streamed or broadcast live, regardless of the location of the betting platform. Traditional cockfights licensed under existing laws are not affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EO 9 tasks the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)<\/strong> with coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies and private entities on the implementation of the order. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)<\/strong> and the Philippine National Police (PNP)<\/strong> are directed to give assistance to PAGCOR and take appropriate action against violators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n PAGCOR, in coordination with the DILG and PNP, must submit regular reports to the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In December, families called for action after a lack of progress in investigations of the 34 disappearances connected to the e-sabong industry<\/a> between April 2021 and January 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n