Mayor indicted over illegal cockfighting

MANILA, Philippines - Another mayor has been charged with graft for his alleged role in the operation of cockfighting activities in his town.

San Jose, Negros Oriental Mayor Nelson Ruiz was indicted for allowing his daughter Susan Logronio to work as a cashier in the cockpit of a certain Felix Ramirez who had a pending application for a license to operate his business. 

Ruiz later issued the business permit, which according to the Office of the Ombudsman violated Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

 The ombudsman earlier filed criminal charges against Himamaylan, Negros Occidental Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon and Belison, Antique Mayor Darell dela Flor for allowing the holding of cockfights.

Under the law, cockfighting shall be allowed only in licensed cockpits during Sundays, legal holidays and town fiestas for not more than three days. It can only be held with approval from the Philippine National Police or any other government agency, and must be held in a licensed cockpit.