By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Councilor Mario V. De Asis speaks during a public hearing on the proposed cockpit arena ordinance in Lucban, ...
 |
| Councilor Mario V. De Asis speaks during a public hearing on the proposed cockpit arena ordinance in Lucban, Quezon. (Lucban LGU) |
LUCBAN, Quezon — A public hearing on a proposed cockpit arena in Lucban exposed sharply differing views on cockfighting and gambling in the municipality. At the center of the debate is a measure that could allow the return of a regulated arena in the town.
The proposed ordinance would establish the rules for granting a cockpit franchise and regulating cockpit operations in Lucban. It would also set standards for where a cockpit arena may be located and how its activities would be monitored by the local government.
The hearing was conducted by the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Games and Amusement as lawmakers gathered public feedback on the proposal. The measure remains under review and has not yet been approved by the municipal council.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the debate should not be framed as a choice between allowing or banning cockfighting. They contend that the issue is whether cockfighting should remain largely unregulated in Lucban or operate under local rules and oversight.
They argue that cockfighting remains popular among a segment of Lucban's population despite the absence of a local arena. Many enthusiasts, they said, simply travel to neighboring towns where legal cockfighting events are held.
Councilor Mario V. De Asis, chairperson of the committee, said the proposal aims to provide a clear legal framework for cockpit operations should the municipality decide to allow them. He said the ordinance is anchored on the authority granted to local governments under the Local Government Code of 1991 and Presidential Decree No. 449, also known as the Cockfighting Law.
Under the proposed measure, applicants would be required to comply with zoning, environmental and business regulations before a franchise could be granted. Cockpit operations would also be prohibited within 300 meters of schools, churches, hospitals, government offices and residential subdivisions.
De Asis said cockfighting remains part of Filipino culture and a recognized form of recreation. He said a regulated cockpit arena could generate revenue while placing the activity under local supervision.
“Masabatas na ang sabong ay kinikilala bilang bahagi ng kultura at tradisyon ng kaugaliang libangan ng Pilipino na may itinakdang panahon. Para lamang ito sa pagdaraos ng sabong na naaayon sa batas at mga umiiral na regulasyon,” De Asis said.
He also said the ordinance contains provisions that could direct part of the proceeds from certain events to community programs. Those funds, he said, could support senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents and other local initiatives.
“Hindi naman ito para lamang sa kapakinabangan ng mga magsasabong at ng may-ari ng sabungan. May nakasaad na bahagi ng kikitain na maaaring ilaan para sa mga senior citizen, PWD, solo parents at iba pang programang makatutulong sa komunidad,” De Asis said.
One resident who opposed the proposal said the municipality should focus on programs that directly benefit a larger portion of the population. The resident argued that the establishment of a cockpit arena would not address the community's more pressing concerns.
“Hindi lang sabungan, basta lahat ng sugal. Angga't maaari, huwag na lang ituloy dahil hindi ito ang uri ng proyekto na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ng ating pamahalaang bayan,” the resident said.
The resident questioned whether its benefits would extend beyond cockpit operators and enthusiasts. Doubts were also raised about whether the proposal would bring meaningful benefits to the wider community.
“Yung mga magsasabong ang makikinabang dito. Wala naman itong maidudulot na positibong epekto sa buhay ng karamihan sa mga mamamayan at hindi nito matutugunan ang mas mahahalagang pangangailangan ng komunidad,” the resident added.
Critics argued that the proposal would bring limited benefits to ordinary residents. They also warned that a cockpit arena could encourage gambling-related activities in the municipality.
Others questioned whether a cockpit arena should be a priority when the town faces other economic and social concerns. They said local government efforts would be better directed toward jobs, public services and livelihood programs.
Members of the Sangguniang Bayan emphasized that the ordinance remains a proposal. They said it will undergo more consultations and deliberations before any final action is taken.
The future of a cockpit arena in Lucban remains uncertain as lawmakers weigh arguments from both sides. Any decision on the proposal will come only after the legislative process is completed.
.jpg)
No comments