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philippines Sabong is both legal and illegal
When it comes to sports, Filipinos cannot live without basketball and of course the philippines Sabong. Although the latter is more of a gamble than a sport,
many are also involved in the recreational and commercial activities of raising wild fowl.
But a big question asked by many people, especially foreigners, is, “Is philippines Sabong legal in the Philippines?” We will discuss the answer in this article.
philippines Sabong is both legal and illegal depending on where and the level of the competition. The Cockfighting Act of 1974, under former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, regulated the sport nationwide and has never been amended since.
It is clearly stipulated as follows:
Therefore, I, Ferdinand Marcos, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution hereby decree and decree to become part of the laws of this country, as follows:
Seconds 1. Title. The Act is called the “Sabong Act 1974”.
Section 2 Scope. This law applies to the establishment, operation, maintenance and ownership of the cockpit.
Section 3. Policy Statement. It is hereby proclaimed a policy of the Government to ensure the maximum development and promotion of wholesome recreation and recreation within the framework of the new society to achieve the following objectives:
(a) Effective control and regulation of Sabong as a source of recreation, relaxation and entertainment for the nation;
(b) provide additional income for our travel programmes; and
(c) Eliminate and prevent excessive and unreasonable commercial and profit considerations in cockpit management and instead preserve Philippine customs and traditions, thereby enhancing our national identity.
Section 4. Definition of terms. The following terms used in this Act shall be understood, applied and construed as follows:
(a) Sabong shall include and mean the well-known game or term “Sabong derby, pintakasi or tupada”, or its equivalent in various parts of the Philippines.
(b) zoning laws or ordinances. National or local city or municipal legislation logically arranges, regulates, defines and allocates given political subdivisions into specific land uses, as current and future demand forecasts need to be guaranteed.
(c) Promoter’s Bet Taker. A person calls and processes the bets of the Sabong owner and other bettors before ordering to start the Sabong, and then distributes the winning bet to the winner after deducting a certain commission.
(d) Taga Tari. Someone who is proficient in the art of arming a Sabong with gaff or gaff on one or both legs.
(e) The referee (Sentenciador) observes and supervises Sabong’s proper training, determines Sabong’s physical condition,
the injury suffered by Sabong and his ability to continue the fight during the cockfight, and decides and informs him of his work or gestures
The decision and the result of the Sabong are made by declaring a winner or declaring a draw or a match without a match.
(f) Bettors (Llamado/Lamado/Christo). A person who participates in a Sabong game and uses money or other items of value to wager with other bettors
or through a bettor or promoter and win or lose according to the Sabong result announced by a referee or judge. He may be the owner of Sabong.
Section 5. Cockpit and philippines Sabong: General:
(a) Ownership, operation and management of the cockpit. Only Filipino citizens who are not prohibited by current laws can own,
manage and operate the cockpit. Encourage cooperative capitalization.
(b) Build the cockpit. Only one cockpit is allowed per city and municipality,
but cities and municipalities with a population of more than 100,000 can set up, maintain and operate two cockpits.
(c) Cockpit site and construction. The cockpit shall be constructed and operated in the appropriate area defined by zoning laws or regulations. In the absence of such laws or regulations,
local administrators should ensure that cockpits are not constructed in or near existing residential or commercial areas, hospitals, school buildings, churches,
or other public buildings. Owners, lessees or operators of existing cockpits that do not meet this requirement have three years from the date of entry into force of this Decree to comply.
Building permits for the construction of cockpits are approved or issued by municipal or provincial engineers in accordance with their respective building codes, ordinances, or engineering laws and practices.
(d) hold Sabong. Except as provided in this Decree, Sabong in a licensed cockpit is only permitted on Sundays and statutory holidays and local festivals for a period not exceeding three days.
May also be held during provincial, municipal or municipal, agricultural, commercial or industrial fairs, carnivals or fairs for a period of three days,
as determined by the province, city or municipality holding such fairs, carnivals or fairs, subject to the Commissioner of Police or his authorization Delegate Approval:
On condition that no Sabong can be performed at such fairs, carnivals or fairs within a month of a local festival or within a year, or more than twice within a year.
Same city or municipality: In addition, no Sabong will be held on December 30 (Rizal Day)
(e) Sabong for the entertainment of tourists or for charitable purposes. Subject to the provisions of the preceding paragraph of this Article,
the Chief of Police or his authorized representative may also permit Sabong events to be held for the reception of foreign dignitaries or tourists,
or for returning Filipinos (commonly known as “Balikbayan”), or for the support of state funds . – Carry out activities for charitable purposes authorized by the Office of the President,
in a licensed cockpit or playground or park, in accordance with a resolution of the provincial, municipal or municipal councils: provided that the privilege can only be extended once for a period not exceeding three days, To the province, city or municipality within one year.
(f) other games during the Sabong period specified. No gambling of any kind is allowed in the cockpit or Sabong premises during Sabong.
The owner, manager or lessee of the cockpit and the person who violates this prohibition shall be held criminally liable in accordance with Article 8 of the Regulations.
Section 6. Cockpit clearance
With the approval of the Chief of Police or his authorized representative, cities and mayors have the authority to issue cockpit operation and maintenance permits.
For this purpose, decrees may be enacted to levy and levy taxes and fees not exceeding the rates specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Article 13; and 19; Presidential Decree No. 231 of June 28, 1973 (also known as Local Tax Code) paragraph (g) (g) 16, as amended.
Section 7. philippines Sabong officials
A gaffer, umpire, or bettor or promoter shall not do so in any Sabong authorized herein unless a license, renewable annually for the month of birth is
first obtained from the city or municipality in which the Sabong is held. Cities and municipalities can collect taxes up to twenty pesos. Only licensed gaffers, umpires,
bettors or promoters may preside over the various Sabong events authorized by this Act.
Section 8. Criminal provisions
Any violation of the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of Police pursuant to this Act shall be punished as follows:
(a) If the offender is the financier, owner, manager, or operator of the cockpit, or the gaffer, umpire, or punter, prison reform with a maximum term of imprisonment and a fine of 2,000 pesos,
and in the event of bankruptcy additionally imprison the recipient of the cockfight; or the offender allows, facilitates, or engages in any other type of gambling within the cockfight during the cockfight.
(b) Prison punishment or a fine of not less than 600 pesos or not more than 2,000 pesos or both, such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court or, in the case of bankruptcy,
supplementary imprisonment in the case of any other offender .
Section 9. Repeal clause. The provisions of Sections 2285 and 2286 of the Criminal Code, as amended, Republic Act No. 946, and all laws, statutes, rules and regulations or orders inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 10. effective date. This Decree shall enter into force fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Completed in Manila City on May 9, in our Lord’s Year, 1974.
When is philippines Sabong legal?
As mentioned above, philippines Sabong is only legal if it takes place in a licensed cockpit with a festive operating permit issued by the mayor.
When did philippines Sabong break the law?
As we all know, the Philippines is full of philippines Sabong and only philippines Sabong held in licensed cockpits and stadiums are legal. Most tupada or lusok (local cockfighting) held at Barangay Carnival are illegal, but allowed because they are sometimes controlled by the local mayor or the influential Brgy captain. Local cockfighting has sometimes been a source of corruption among local politicians. Who controls cockfighting in a municipality or city is like sitting on millions of pesos, which is why cockfighting has always been a hot topic.
Is it safe to attend and watch the philippines Sabong?
Is it safe to attend and watch the philippines Sabong? If the cockfight is held in a city or municipality with a large cockpit, then it is mostly legal and controlled by the authorities. Therefore, it is safe to watch and observe. But if the Sabong is held in a remote location, there is a makeshift cockpit ready to run away should the police show up. This is illegal and can lead to big trouble.
