FINALLY, IT’S CLOSED!
Cherill S. Cunanan
On May 3, President Rodrigo Duterte approved, though a little late, the recommendation of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under Sec. Eduardo Año to stop the online cockfighting operations commonly known as E-sabong. Quoting the reason mentioned by the President, it is because the said operation is “working against our values”. It took almost a year for the government to realize the moral damage E-sabong has been inflicting on Filipino families.
Amidst the closure of cockpit arenas in the country due to the pandemic, nine licensed operators were allowed to commence operation by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) but five had incurred suspension of license. Esabong which is gambling is smeared with controversies, mainly the cases of at least 34 cockfighters who are presumed to be dead by now.
Based on the stories we hear along the streets and in our own communities strengthened by a survey conducted by the DILG in cities and provinces regarding esabong operations, online cockfighting is blamed for the deterioration of moral values among many Filipinos. More so, Philosophy Professor Clark Wolf of Iowa State University said, "Gambling money leads us into all sorts of ethical dilemmas,” which is definitely true. Because of the ease and convenience of gambling at home or in designated stations, cockfight enthusiasts are hooked on betting. The convenience, accessibility, and anonymity of the gambler make online sabong more appealing even to non-gamblers before. Others even developed an addiction to it which leads to more serious problems. Many lives and families were ruined because of this addiction. They sell their properties, drown in debts, and even do crimes just to sustain their gambling vice. Yes, the government earned P2 Billion this year out of E-sabong but at the expense of the lives of Filipinos and the deterioration of our moral and ethical values.
Though it is a bit late, it is still a great news that finally, after several recommendations and outcries, E-sabong is finally closed. Let us hope not just temporarily but for good.
References:
Casilao, Joahna Lei (03 May 2022). Duterte OKs closure of e-sabong, says ops could stop 'immediately'. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ topstories/nation/830477/dutere-oks-closure-of-e-sabong-says-ops-could-stop-immediately/story/?fbclid=IwAR3yCuTYzs3taMlQriTY1Gk_PPoM7lhobhyx81ZqRaAcGpuQgJ_Z03nt80
https://www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/pdf/esabong/list-of-pagcor-licensed-e-sabongoperators.pdf
The author
is Teacher
--oOo-
III at Pampanga High School