President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has issued a directive to cease all online cockfighting, commonly known as e-sabong. The order, which took effect immediately, comes as Duterte believes that e-sabong conflicts with the country’s cultural values. The decision follows a survey conducted by Eduardo Año, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, who highlighted the adverse social impact of e-sabong and recommended its discontinuation. Duterte fully supports this recommendation and emphasized that the details of the order would be determined by Año.
Background and Context:
President Duterte’s move to ban e-sabong marks a significant shift in his stance on gambling. Last year, he encouraged Filipinos to participate in gambling activities as a means to aid the country’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. This recent decision reflects a departure from his previous support for the industry.
Reasoning and Impact:
Duterte cited the survey conducted by Secretary Año, which revealed the negative social consequences associated with e-sabong. Although the specific details of the survey were not mentioned, it appears that the findings convinced Duterte that the practice contradicts the cultural values of the Filipino people. As a result, he ordered an immediate halt to all online cockfighting activities.
Link to Offshore Gaming and Crimes:
In February 2022, a legislative committee report identified a “clear link” between Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOS) and various crimes, including human trafficking and prostitution. Although the report does not explicitly connect e-sabong to these crimes, it is possible that the decision to ban online cockfighting aligns with the government’s broader efforts to address the negative consequences associated with certain gambling activities.
Future Implications:
President Duterte’s order to end e-sabong signifies a potential tightening of regulations and a renewed focus on curbing undesirable aspects of the gambling industry in the Philippines. It remains to be seen how the government will enforce the ban and whether additional measures will be taken to regulate other forms of online gambling.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent directive to cease online cockfighting, e-sabong, reflects a shift in his perspective on gambling and cultural values in the Philippines. The decision, supported by Secretary Año’s survey findings, aims to address the perceived negative social impact of e-sabong. As the government takes steps to enforce the ban, the future of online gambling in the Philippines may undergo further scrutiny and regulation.