Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano called for further study before granting 25-year franchises to e-sabong or online cockfighting businesses, warning that this could lead to a gambling "pandemic."
Cayetano, also Taguig-Pateros representative, questioned the extensive 25-year franchises and suggested a six-month or year-long study before granting them to businesses.
"Bakit natin bibigyan ng 25-year franchise?" Cayetano asked in an interview with DZRH.
(Why are we giving them a 25-year franchise?)
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) defended that this would help the agency gain more funds after getting struck hard by the pandemic, according to the lawmaker.
"Ibig sabihin kapag wala na ang pandemic, tataas na ulit kita nila. So ang question ko lang, bakit po humihingi ng 25-year franchise ngayon?" he asked.
(That means if the pandemic is over, revenue would go back up. So the question is: why are they asking for a 25-year franchise now?)
"Sana pag-aralan muna total may permit na sila sa PAGCOR, nangyayari na," he said. "Sige, six months or one year kung nakakasama itigil na natin."
(I hope this would get reviewed since they already have a permit with PAGCOR. It’s already happening. Then okay, six months or one year if it’s bad we stop it.)
"Kung mali tayo edi aminin natin na mali, pero tingin ko po tama tayo na ito'y very addictive at hindi to mareregulate kasi kahit saan kahit anong edad."
(If we’re wrong then let’s admit it. But I think we’re right to say that it’s very addictive and cannot be regulated because it is everywhere and among all ages.)
The lawmaker warned that pushing through with e-sabong businesses could create "another pandemic," and asked PAGCOR if it is worth the money it will receive.
"Is a good economy all about having more money? Is it worth the P2.8 billion in revenue na papasok sa PAGCOR na we will create many walking zombies?" he asked.
(Is a good economy all about having more money? Is it worth the P2.8 billion in revenue that will enter PAGCOR that will create many walking zombies?)
"We will have another pandemic nung dito sa sugal," Cayetano added.
(We will have another pandemic here in gambling.)
Online cockfight businesses have been in the spotlight after some of them have filed for 25-year franchises. One of them, the Visayas Cockers Club Inc., has seen a bill franchises to operate offsite betting stations from anywhere in the Philippines approved by the House ways and means committee.
