Senator Joel Villanueva asked his colleagues whether they should allow state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to remain both as e-sabong (online cock-fighting) regulator and as operator.
Viillaueva raised this issue after asking his fellow lawmakers after manifesting his support for the recommendations of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs following its legislative inquiry on the disappearances of numerous cockfighting enthusiasts.
He said Pagcor's authority over online cockfighting should be clarified.
"I think it's about time we make that decision as to whether or not we will allow Pagcor to be a regulator or an operator," he told his colleagues.
"I just don't think we can allow the State gaming regulator to be also a part of the operations," he added.
Villanueva also reiterated that aside from minors, government employees must also not be allowed to participate in e-sabong, citing that current laws prohibit them from gambling in casinos.
Before President Duterte banned e-sabong early May, Pagcor collects more than P600-million in revenues a month from regulating the gaming operations.