VM Garcia tells CCPO to respect legal cockpits

CEBU, Philippines —  Following reports from legal cockpit owners, Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia came to remind the police force under the Cebu City Police Office to respect the city ordinance concerning operations of legal cockpits in the city.

Garcia, who used to be the chairman of the City Gamefowl Commission, said he received reports from legal cockpit owners concerning policemen warning them of their daily operations.

“Nakadawat man gud tang mga reports nga naa tay mga legal cockpits nga naay hulga sa kapulisan nga ilang dakpon,” Garcia said.

As of the moment, according to one of Mayor Michael Rama’s special assistants, Ramil Ayuman, the said commission has not reconvened.

But Garcia just reacted to it based on the reports that reached his office as vice mayor.

“Akong giawhag unta ang atong kapulisan to please respect Ordinance 2171, an ordinance amending Section 3 paragraph D of City Ordinance 1147 entitled an ordinance regulating the operations of cockpits in the City of Cebu,” said Garcia.

Included in its amendment is that only licensed cockpits will be allowed to hold cockfighting here.

Along with this, the ordinance says, operations “may be held on any day of the week (Monday to Sunday). This, however, should not go beyond 10 .pm.

No cockfights will be allowed as well on Philippine Independence Day, Good Friday, and Election Day.

For special cockfights or derby, however, a legal cockpit operator may seek a special permit from the CCGFC, 15 days before the holding of the event along with the payment of a special permit fee from the City Treasurer’s Office.

“As amended–cockfighting shall be allowed only in licensed cockpits….It may be held on any day of the week, Mondays to Sundays. Mao ni provisions sa atong balaod, sa atong ordinansa…Nag allow legal cockpits Monday to Sunday not only weekends,” Garcia said.

“Atong giawhag ang kapulisan to respect the law, it is an ordinance which is to be followed, likewise implemented,” added Garcia.

Legal cockfighting/cockpit operations were one of the most affected industries at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operators are hoping to bounce back with the resumption of most physical activities and gatherings in the country.

Last February 22, 2023, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a memorandum only concerning the continued suspension of e-sabong and all activities related to it including live streaming and broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits/arenas as well as online/remote wagering/betting. — GMR (FREEMAN)