Council denies request for cockfighting event inside hotel

CEBU, Philippines — A cockfighting gaming organization failed to secure a nod from the Cebu City Council to hold a three-day cockfighting event at a hotel and convention center along the South Road Properties (SRP) after some members pointed out that it was against the law.

This stemmed from a resolution filed by Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover which was supposed to seek approval from the council to allow OX KBDF Gaming to conduct a cockfighting event.

The resolution stipulates that is in line with Section 3 of City Ordinance No. 1447 known as "An Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Cockpits in the City of Cebu" to back the supposed green light to hold the three-day promotion on October 2024 at the hotel along SRP.

It, however, also mandates that this will be approved subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the said Ordinance and the Cebu City Gamefowl Commission.

The resolution reads that last September 12, 2024, the Cebu City Gamefowl Commission approved a resolution recommeding for the approval of the city council of the cockfighting event.

However, during the discussion, some members of the legislation manifested their intent to abstain from voting. Among them is Councilor Philip Zafra who substantiated his decision to abstain as per existing laws and ordinances, that says cockfighting can only be done in a duly-accredited cockpit arena.

Zafra stressed that the said hotel along SRP is not an accredited cockpit arena.

Councilor Joy Augustus Young, who also signified his intent to abstain, explained that if it was against the law, they should be objecting to the resolution.

On the other hand, Councilor Noel Wenceslao, Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance of the city council, said he supports this resolution since the city is in “dire need” for revenue.

Alcover disclosed that a P500,000 amusement tax has been paid for the last two derbies held in Nustar.

With this, Councilor Mary Ann de Los Santos raised the motion to divide the house where the majority of the body voted to object to Alcover’s motion.

Some of those who voted not in favor, apart from Zafra, de los Santos, and Young were; Councilors, Jocelyn Pesquera, Francis Esparis, Rhea Jacosalem, Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa, Nestor Archival Sr., and James Anthony Cuenco.

Zafra then proposed a corollary motion mandating the secretariat of the Game Fowl Commission to submit the minutes of the meeting on September 12, 2024, pertaining to the resolution.

Councilor Rey Gealon also raised a corollary motion urging the Game Fowl Commission to submit a resolution that allows the said event.

“Considering that these activities pursuant to our ordinance require the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” said Gealon.

Cuenco on the other hand raised a corollary motion to furnish a copy of ordinance relative to the guidelines of cockfighting to the operators and management.

Gealon also raised another corollary motion urging the venue to submit a verified statement indicating the location of where these derbies have taken place.

These corollary motions were all approved by the council.

It was indicated in Alcover’s resolution that OX KBDF Gaming has filed before the Office of the Mayor its request for a special permit to hold an 8-day cock derby event on October 11 to 18, 2024.

The said request was referred to the Game Fowl Commission for its opinion or appropriate recommendation where the latter has approved to recommend for approval before the city council.