The Senate is urging law enforcement agencies to go beyond shutting down websites and dismantle the physical hubs behind illegal online sabong operations nationwide.
At its third public hearing, the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement called for coordinated raids on studio hubs and backyard cockpits where cockfights are filmed and streamed. Lawmakers said repeated site takedowns have failed to stop operations because the source of the broadcasts remains active.
Committee chair Senator Erwin Tulfo said authorities must physically close cockpits and makeshift filming sites, particularly in parts of Central Luzon, the Cordillera region, and Calabarzon where large-scale activity reportedly continues.
“Online sabong po na ito, this is already a problem… The only way to take this down po is, puntahan po ninyo ’yung mga bayan kung saan may sabungan, may nagpapasabong,” Tulfo said.
He directed the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to raid identified locations, halt live filming, confiscate equipment, and submit compliance reports before the panel forms a technical working group. He stressed that blocking websites alone does little if filming hubs remain intact.
Senator Raffy Tulfo supported the call and urged authorities to target alleged financiers and gambling kingpins. He said enforcement appears focused on smaller operators while major players continue to operate.
“Yes, may na-down kayong e-sabong sites, kaso ’yun ’yung mga pipitsugin… pero itong pinakamalaki sa buong Pilipinas ay hindi niyo kayang i-takedown,” he said.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Chair Alejandro Tengco told the panel that Executive Order No. 9, signed by President Bongbong Marcos, remains in effect and prohibits the issuance of licenses for online sabong.
“Ang EO No. 9 po ay pangkasalukuyang isang batas… wala po kaming karapatang mag-issue ng anumang uri ng lisensya sa kanino man,” Tengco said.
The committee said it expects concrete enforcement results, including hub closures and criminal cases, before considering further legislation.
