Philippines getting closer to legal cockfighting gambling

The Philippines is getting closer to passing a specific law that would regulate cockfighting in the country, which is currently a popular but banned activity.

Cockfight finds new regulatory framework in Philippines

Philippines are now moving quickly to establish frameworkthat would regulate cockfighting, an activity carried out on squalid back alleys and abandoned industrial sites that remains increasingly popular in the country.

Trying to leave no stone unturned, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has now taken the green light for a move that allows local governments to begin curbing illegal cockfights, known locally as e-sabong.

Now, however, cockfighting enthusiasts no longer have to hide, as a House of Representatives committee has approved the legalization of the activity by introducing a substitute tax bill covering derby and cockfighting on the Internet. PAGCOR and lawmakers believe that new taxes are welcome , especially when they target casinos for the benefit of the public.

Regulating and taxing cockfights and derby

This is the second bill passed to regulate a questionable segment, as before, the bill was introduced to help Tax Office (BIR) download 5% tax based on gross receipts of business from the outside betting industry, specifically targeting licensed cockfights and derby events.

These so-called off-site betting industries relate specifically to the placing, accepting and facilitating of bets on the outcome of cockfights, whether done in person or over the Internet. The account does not include activities licensed by PAGCOR or Philippine charity office (PCSO) .

Thanks to the efforts of lawmakers, cockfights will come to light, making them a legalized and unambiguous area of betting competition, though this will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the public.

Suspension of cockfights at the request of the authorities

While central government has sought to introduce a clear framework to regulate cockfights, many local authorities have focused on suspending illegal derby. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) suspended similar activities in the municipality of Janiuay, Iloilo province shortly due to DILG's claim that the event was not approved.

Local arrests are the order of the day and people are being accused of illegal cockfights and related gambling. Illegal cockfighting has been going on in the Philippines for some time now, and the authorities have no way to completely regulate it, other than arrests and tip operations.

However, most participating gamblers are reluctant to talk to the authorities because it would deprive them of their hobby. Vertical regulation would mean that the authorities can collect the tax and then use it to benefit the public purse, as well as curb illegal operations from the start.

Arrests were common in the Philippines, which has experience with unregulated gambling operations.