TACOY
CEBU CITY – The series of cockfights in Matag-ob, Leyte are under scrutiny.
Former Matag-ob Mayor Michael Torrevillas has requested the local government unit to furnish him certified true copies of official documents relating to the conduct of cockfights outside a licensed cockpit.
In his June 24 letter to Matag-ob Mayor Bernardino “Bernie” Tacoy and Municipal Administrator Johanna Cass, Torrevillas asked for documents involving cockfights held from June 11 to 14.
Torrevillas’ request stemmed from Tacoy’s supposed pronouncement during a flag-raising ceremony that a group of “balikbayans” or returning Filipinos sent him a written request for the conduct of cockfights for the town’s fiesta celebration.
Torrevillas asked for copies of the letter request and documents showing that the request was forwarded to the municipal council.
Copies of a resolution showing the council’s approval of the conduct of the cockfight and a certification of no objection from the Leyte Provincial Police Office were also sought by the former mayor.
In his request for the documents, Torrevillas cited Article 3, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution, citing “the right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.”
In her letter-reply to Torrevillas dated July 26, Cass said the documents required “collation and verification.”
Torrevillas followed up his request by sending another letter last July 2. He did not disclose his reason behind the request.
Under Presidential Decree No. 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, cockfights are allowed in licensed cockpits every Sunday, legal holidays, or during fiesta for a maximum of three days.