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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Gatchalian urges PAGCOR to uphold integrity of gaming industry

Gatchalian urges PAGCOR to uphold integrity of gaming industry

Published Mar 2, 2022 12:46 pm

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to uphold the integrity of the country's gaming industry as he backs calls for the suspension of all online cockfighting activities pending the investigation into the cases of the 31 missing personalities involved in “e-sabong.”

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“As a responsible and responsive partner of the government in its nation-building programs, PAGCOR should take into serious consideration the welfare of the public in the wake of the reported abductions and disappearance of a number of individuals that are apparently related to e-sabong operations. PAGCOR should uphold the integrity of the gaming industry,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian co-authored Senate Resolution No. 996, signed by 23 senators, which urges the state gaming regulatory agency to heed the senators’ call for the suspension of licenses of all online “e-sabong” operations while authorities are still looking into the abductions and disappearance of some individuals involved in the sport.

The senator, who is seeking a re-election in the upcoming May 2022 elections, called the Senate’s move a “proactive approach” to thwart new kidnapping cases.

“Buhay ng mga kababayan natin ang isinasaalang-alang ng Senado sa pansamantalang pagpapatigil ng operasyon ng e-sabong. Lubos na nakakabahala na nawalang parang bula at walang bakas ng kinaroroonan ang 31 sabungero (the Senate is taking into account the lives of our citizens when it calls for the temporary suspension of e-sabong operations. The disappearance of these 31 cockfight enthusiasts is really worrisome),” he pointed out.

“Ngunit mas nakakaalarma na wala man lang anumang tinutumbok ang mga imbestigador kung sino ang nasa likod ng mga pangyayaring ito (But it is more alarming to see that investigators are unable to pinpoint who is behind this incident),” the re-electionist senator said.

Law enforcement agencies told the Senate that the abduction cases appear to be well-planned and believed to have been executed by trained and organized groups, admitting they had difficulties in conducting investigations due to lack or absence of material evidence such as CCTV footage.

Although the call to suspend e-sabong operations reportedly has President Duterte’s approval according to Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, the Chief Executive has yet to issue an official order.

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Pagcor gaming industry Sherwin Gatchalian e-sabong
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