THE STATE OF COCKFIGHTING YESTERDAY & TODAY

THE STATE OF COCKFIGHTING YESTERDAY AND TODAY
by Wilfredo M. Canumay

In the field of cockfighting during the sixties cock derbies are rare occasion. Usually well attended. Cockpits are fully pack to the rafters. They are held only once or twice a year. Either, at the Araneta Coliseum or at the Paranaque Cockpit owned by Don Claro S. Cortez…now Roligon Mega Cockpit.

Paranaque Cockpit activities were arranged and hosted by a group of cockers which call themselves United Cockers Club This is composed of brothers Ramoning & Oscar Rivero, Eddie Araneta of Liza Galore, Hector & Mayo Lacson of Bacolod City, Johnny Veloso and Bert Moran who uses that “Malaking Pulo” breed from Batangas.
Then we have colorful aficionados like Enrique “Henry” Tan of Grand Central Stable, Ely Cruz of Taytay, Totoy Atacador, Oscar “Lover Boy“, Abraham Salacata, Desiderio Dalisay of the first PAL highjacking hostage fame, Pete Habaluyas, Biboy Enriquez, Francis de Borja, Amado Garcia of Davao, Esting Teopaco, etc.
Politicians include James Chiongbian, Peping Cojuanco, Amado Bagatsing, Boy Asistio, Menyong Teves, Samuel Reyes, Monching Mitra, Rudy Albano and Jose Aldeguer of Sara Warriors farm at Diliman were derbies were held before the imposition of Martial Law in 1972.
From this group form the nucleus that is responsible for the spread of derbies in the neighboring provinces . First in Bulacan was hosted by the late father of Jessie Viceo , Mang Emeng and Judge Cornejo, with the able assistance of Leobing Villarama.
Then it spread to as far as Bagiuo by brothers Edward & George Henry at Lamtang and by Atty. Tony Tabora at Trinidad Valley.
Then, to Bauang La Union, the derby brought by Oscar Rivero at Nalinac Beach. Then to the martial law days, derbies were held on a weekly basis, that is during Sundays, were it is legal. During week days you need a special permit from the Philippine Constabulary, but it is hard to secure one . . . So derbies were stage during Sundays at Paranaque Cockpit under the management of Jun Dominguez.
At this point in time, out came gentlemen cocker of great stature like Don Jose Rodriguez Lanuza and Don Ricardo Silverio. And one particular cockfighter stood tall among them all, an upstart by the name of Jessie Cabalza. He is the “ idol “ of that era. As Patrick Antonio is the idol of today.
This era also produces one shrewd and cunning cocker that is Rudy Velayo. The craftiness of this guy is never equalled up to this day. No one even comes near. Not even the son Raymundo Velayo can lay claim to that throne. My apology to you sir Raymundo.
His adversary call him a Jew. . . and a scheming one. He always ask for big odds for every bet he takes. Thus they call him a jew, who is always out to exact a pound of flesh from you.
This illustrious gentlemen cocker always place his bet on the under dog or dehado. Most cockers consider him for an ignoramus when it comes to sizing - up birds in terms of quality. Well they are mistaken for he definitely is not. He has this cunning ability to bet small, if to his estimate the under dog’s winning chance is nil. But always he ask for big odds, to counter - bet that inferior quality. Usually the turn - out is in his favor. His keen sense of spotting a winner is not base birds, but base on the lossing streak of his opponents.
He also employ some sort of psyche war. With an unconventional arm in the form of a whistle. And when gets into your nerves , and rattles tour brain better call it a day. For he will surely beat you to a pulp.
I believe Mr. Silverio got a hard time shaking that pesty whistle sound out of his nerve if not out of his ears.
Speaking of Mr. Silverio, when he gets into the scene, cockfighting, goes high stakes. Before, seldom will you hear a hundred thousand bet. With his coming a big bet does not bring an uproar from the crowd any more.
Before his advent, bets were on cash to cash basis only. Checks are being frowned upon. With his entry into cockfighting, issuance of checks to cover bets become the mode of payment. And it reached its peak during the Teresa Square Garden days of the colonel, even up to now.
At the Colonel ‘s haven, cockfights are at its prime. It is also during its heyday that a deadly virus is born . . . bad checks . . . It has grown into epidemic proportion, affecting the whole cockfighting archipelago . . . a . . . plague . . . a scourge, it is rearing its ugly head on cockpit operation. So devastating is its effect that operators and promoters are contemplating to cease operation.
Another ugly practice being use by cockers today is… to quote Patrick Antonio, “ betting before is called glamour betting . . . today it is wise betting “.
By this he meant that when an entry is pit against a big guy, he bets low, but when he is matched against a nobody, he bets sky high.
So wise are the players that promoters don’t make much out of the center bets. The only hope left for the promoter to make money is in the gate receipts. They argued that quality fights will attract paying patrons even if there are only few numbers of fights, which usually don’t turn out right.
Another disgusting habit employed by this wise and smart players, is issuing big amount check for a small ‘ pago’.
For a 5,000.00 pago they will issue a 50,000.00 check. Against the wall you are forced to make a change of P45,000.00. It is unfair and very risky deal indeed.
Another garbage the’ll throw at your face - is pay you with a check from other person with their endorsement at the back. They will say “Sagot ko ‘yan pag pumutok” and if you don’t accept the said check they will say “Mag - antay ka muna hindi pa ako nakasingil”.
It won’t pay to sue these people though considering that a violator could buy his liberty for a measly P1,000- bail. If you go to court to collect P10,000.00 you end up spending P100,000.00
What’s more discouraging is that the endorser of a bad check does not have the obligation to pay …that’s the law.
And with the recent fiasco in the Mandaluyong Coliseum, something just have to be done…soon and fast.
I hate to end this article on a bad note, but that’s today’s reality. Let’s fight our roosters for fame and honor. If your intention is to gamble better go to the casinos. There, you will not be able to victimize other trusting cockers, but only the loan sharks.

NOLI ME TANGERE - ANG SABUNGAN

NOLI ME TANGERE
Kabanata XLVIAng Sabungan

BuodKatulad din ng iba pang bayan ng Pilipinas, may sabungan din sa San Diego. Ito ay nahahati sa tatlong bahagi. May pasukan ito sa pinto na binabantayan ng isang babaeng naniningil ng bayad sa pagpasok. Nakahanay naman sa magkabilang daraanan na mga tao ang mga tindera na nagtitinda ng kung anu-ano na katulad ng pagkain, gamit na maliliit sa bahay, sigarilyo at iba pa. Kalapit ito ng isang may kalakihan ding lugar na kinaroroonan ng mga tahur, magtatari at mga sobra ang hilig sa sabong. Dito nagpapalipat-lipat nang mabilis ang kuwarta sa kamay ng mga tao at pakikipagsunduan. Ang tawag sa lugar na ito ay ulutan. Ang ikatlong bahagi naman ng sabungan ay tinatawag na ruweda. Dito dinaraos ang mga sultada. Makikita sa lugar na ito ang mga taong may matataas na tungkulin, mayayaman, ang mga tahur at sentensyador.Nasa loob ng sabungan sina Kapitan Pablo, Kapitan Basilio at Lucas. Nagtanong si Kapitan Basilio tungkol sa manok na isasabong ni Kapitan Tiyago samantalang papasok ito sa sabungan na kasunod ang dalawang alalay o utusan na may dalang isang lasak na manok at isang malaking putting tinali. Bulik naman ang manok ni Kapitan Basilio. Nagkaroon muna ng batian tungkol sa pagkakasakit ni Maria Clara, pagkaraan nagkasundo ang dalawa na paglabanin ang bulik at ang lasak sa pustang P 3,000. Parang apoy na kumalat ang paglalaban. Nagkaroon ng pustahan ang mga sabungero. Lumilitaw na dehado ang pula at llamado naman ang puti.Habang hindi magkamayaw sa pagpusta ang ilang sabungero sa gagawing pagsusultada, ang dalawang binatang magkapatid na sina Tarsilo at Bruno ay naiinggit sa mga pumupusta. Sila ay matamang pinagmamasdan ni Lucas.Pamayamaya ay lumapit ang pinakabata sa dalawa kay Lucas at nakiusap na pautangin ito ng pera para may maipusta. Sina Bruno at Tarsilo ay may masaklap na karanasan sa mga sibil, ang kanilang ama ay pinatay sa palo ng mga ito.Tinanong ni Lucas ang magkapitd kung payag na sila sa kondisyong kanyang ibinigay. Ayaw ng nakatatanda. Dahil dito, sinabi ni Lucas na kahit kilala man niya ang magkapatid na ayaw ipaghiganti ang pagkamatay ng kanilang ama, hindi niya mapapautang ang mga ito ng perang hindi niya pag-aari. Ang Pera, anya ay kay Don Cisostomo Ibarra. Gayunman, kung papayag sila sa kanilang amuki, madali niyang mabibigyan ng pera ang mga ito. Ikinatwiran ng dalawa, na kundi lamang sa kanilang kapatid na babae ay matagal na siguro silang nabitay. Pero, sinagot sila ni Lucas na mga nabibitay ay mga duwag lamang, walang salapi at mahihina at kung sakali ay malapit lamang ang bundok.Samantala, pinagsalpuk na ang dalawang manok, na ilang sandali lang ay kapwa sugatan. Pero matindi ang sa puti. May tarak ito sa dibdib samantalang ang sa pula naman ay sa pakpak lamang. Gayunman, unang bumulagta ang puit na nagkikisay at sumunod naman ang pula na ipinipikit ang mga mata. Ang nanalo sa labanan ay ang pula. Hiyawang umaatikabo ang sumunod.Nanghinayang sina Tarsilo at Bruno at hindi sila nakapusta disin sana’y nanalo ng tig-P100 bawat isa. Sa di kalayuan, nakita nila si Pedro, ang asawa ni Sisa na binibilangan ng pera ni Lucas. Naisip nilang pumusta sa sususnod na laban.Tiyempo namang ang isusunod na paglalabanin ay ang bulik ni Kapitan Basilio at ang lasak ni Kapitan Tiyago. Nakalimutan ng magkapatid ang tungkol sa kanilang kapatid na babae. Naisip nilang walang mangyayari sa kanila kung kukunin nila ang inaalok na pera ni Lucas sapagkat si Crisostomo ay kaibigang matalik ng heneral at kasama pa nito sa pamamasyal.Nang lumapit ang magkapatid kay Lucas, hindi sila nabigo. Sila ay binigyan ng tig- P30.00 sa kasunduang sasama sila sa pagsalakay sa kuwartel. Kapag sila ay nakapagsama pa, tig-sasampu uli sa bawat maisama nila. Kapag nagtagumpay sila sa gagawing pagsalakay, may tig-P100 at ang mga kasama nila at sila naman ay tig-P200 ang tatanggapin. Tumango sila pareho sa lahat ng kondisyon. Kaagad na tinanggap ang perang hinihingi nila.Tinagubilinan ni Lucas ang magkapatid na kinabukasan ay darating ang mga sandatang padala ni Ibarra. Sa ikawalo naman ng gabi sa makalawa ay kailangan magtungo sila sa libingan upang tumanggap ng utos. Ito lamang at naghiwalay na sil;ang tatlo. Tuloy ang sabong.

PROPOSED BILL FOR A NATIONAL LICENSING BODY FOR KEY COCKPIT PERSONNEL

PROPOSED BILL FOR A NATIONAL LICENSING AGENCY
FOR KEY COCKPIT PERSONNEL

WHEREAS, the Philippine Gamefowl Commision was created by virtue of Presidential Decree 1802 in January 16, 1981;


WHEREAS, one of the powers of the Philippine Gamefowl Commision was, to wit :

Section 2. Powers and Functions of the Commission. — The Commission shall have the following powers, functions and duties: e) To promulgate rules and regulations relative to the holding, methods, procedures, operations and conduct of cockfighting in general as well as accreditation of cockpit personnel and association of cockpit owners, operators and lessees, to elevate the standard of cockfighting


WHEREAS, the Philippine Gamefowl Commision was devolved and its powers and functions were transferred to the Local Governments Units and the Games & Amusement Board by virtue of the Local Government Code;


WHEREAS, the Local Government Code, in TITLE TWO, Article Three, SEC. 447, No. 3, Paragraph (v) states :

TITLE TWO. - THE MUNICIPALITY
Article Three. - The Sangguniang Bayan
SEC. 447. - Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. - (a) The sangguniang bayan, as the legislative body of the municipality, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code and in the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the municipality as provided for under Section 22 of this Code, and shall:
(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code, grant franchises, enact ordinances authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses, or enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges upon such conditions and for such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the municipality, and pursuant to this legislative authority shall:
(v) Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license the establishment, operation, and maintenance of cockpits, and regulate cockfighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks: Provided, That existing rights should not be prejudiced;

WHEREAS, the implementation of the Local Government Code’s provision with regards to cockfighting leaves so much to be desired, especially on the accreditation of cockpit personnel;

WHEREAS, an erring cockpit personnel, more particularly a cockfights referee or sentenciador, who commits an error or a grave offense such as cheating in a cockpit or a municipality, if suspended or dismissed, would just transfer to another cockpit or another town to continue his trade;

WHEREAS, sentenciadors and other cockpit personnel are subservient to the cockpit owners & operators and are helpless or weak against influential cockers or corrupt palyers;

WHEREAS, to be able to discipline or penalize an undesirable cockpit employee is for him/her to be banned from working in any cockpit all over the country;

WHEREAS, a national regulation and licensing body is needed to extensively and fairly implement the rules, as well as monitor and police the cockpit workers’ pool;

WHEREAS, proper screening, testing, pre-qualification process and accreditation of cockpit personnel are essential in ensuring the fairness of the Game;

WHEREAS, the Games & Amusement Board has inherited the powers of the Philippine Gamefowl Commission in the issuance of permit for international derbies and supervision of such events;

WHEREAS, a huge number of employees from the Philippine Gamefowl Commission has been transferred to the Games & Amusement Board;

WHEREAS, the Games & Amusement Board maintains and runs its Cockfighting Division and is the most qualified national agency to conduct proper screening, accreditation and licensing of cockpit personnel:

WHEREAS, most of these former Philippine Gamefowl Commission employees are able to perform their duties only when there are international derbies being staged which is at the most are only a maximum of six per year;

NOW THEREFORE, with all the mentioned considerations considered, it is hereby resolved that the powers and functions of the Games & Amusement Board be expanded, so as to be the national licensing body for key cockpit personnel all over the country.

LAWS ON PHILI[PPINE COCKFIGHTING

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 449


PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 449 - COCKFIGHTING LAW OF 1974

WHEREAS, cockfighting has been and still is a popular, traditional and customary form of recreation and entertainment among Filipinos during legal holidays, local fiestas, agricultural, commercial and industrial fairs, carnivals or expositions;WHEREAS, by reason of the aforestated meaning and connotation of cockfighting in relation to Filipino customs and traditions, it should neither be exploited as an object of commercialism or business enterprise, nor made a tool of uncontrolled gambling, but more as a vehicle for the preservation and perpetuation of native Filipino heritage and thereby enhance our national identity.NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order to be part of the laws of the land, the following: Section 1. Title. — This Decree shall be known as the "Cockfighting Law of 1974".Section 2. Scope. — This law shall govern the establishment, operation, maintenance and ownership of cockpits.Section 3. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared a policy of the government to insure within the framework of the New Society maximum development and promotion of wholesome recreation and amusement to bring about the following goals:(a) To effectively control and regulate cockfighting towards its establishment as a national recreation, relaxation and source of entertainment;(b) To provide additional revenue for our tourism program; and(c) To remove and prevent excessive and unreasonable business operation and profit considerations in the management of cockpits and, instead preserve Philippine customs and traditions and thereby enhance our national identity.Section 4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this law, the following terms shall be understood, applied and construed as follows:(a) Cockfighting — shall embrace and mean the commonly known game or term "cockfighting derby, pintakasi or tupada", or its equivalent terms in different Philippine localities.(b) Zoning Law or Ordinance — Either both national or local city or municipal legislation which logically arranges, prescribes, defines and apportions a given political subdivision into specific land uses as present and future projection of needs warrant.(c) Bet Taker or Promoter — A person who calls and takes care of bets from owners of both gamecocks and those of other bettors before he orders commencement of the cockfight and thereafter distributes won bets to the winners after deducting a certain commission.(d) Gaffer (Taga Tari) — A person knowledgeable in the art of arming fighting cocks with gaff or gaffs on either or both legs.(e) Referee (Sentenciador) — A person who watches and oversees the proper gaffing of fighting cocks, determines the physical condition of fighting cocks while cockfighting is in progress, the injuries sustained by the cocks and their capability to continue fighting and decides and make known his decision by work or gestures and result of the cockfight by announcing the winner or declaring a tie or no contest game.(f) Bettor — A person who participates in cockfights and with the use of money or other things of value, bets with other bettors or through the bet taker or promoter and wins or loses his bet depending upon the result of the cockfight as announced by the Referee or Sentenciador. He may be the owner of fighting cock.Section 5. Cockpits and Cockfighting: In General. —(a) Ownership, Operation and Management of Cockpits. — Only Filipino citizens not otherwise inhibited by existing laws shall be allowed to own, manage and operate cockpits. Cooperative capitalization is encouraged.(b) Establishment of Cockpits. — Only one cockpit shall be allowed in each city or municipality, except that in cities or municipalities with a population of over one hundred thousand, two cockpits may be established, maintained and operated. (c) Cockpits Site and Construction. — Cockpits shall be constructed and operated within the appropriate areas as prescribed in Zoning Law or Ordinance. In the absence of such law or ordinance, the local executives shall see to it that no cockpits are constructed within or near existing residential or commercial areas, hospitals, school buildings, churches or other public buildings. Owners, lessees, or operators of cockpits which are now in existence and do not conform to this requirement are given three years from the date of effectivity of this Decree to comply herewith. Approval or issuance of building permits for the construction of cockpits shall be made by the city or provincial engineer in accordance with their respective building codes, ordinances or engineering laws and practices.(d) Holding of Cockfights. — Except as provided in this Decree, cockfighting shall be allowed only in licensed cockpits during Sundays and legal holidays and during local fiestas for not more than three days. It may also be held during provincial, city or municipal, agricultural, commercial or industrial fair, carnival or exposition for a similar period of three days upon resolution of the province, city or municipality where such fair, carnival or exposition is to be held, subject to the approval of the Chief of Constabulary or his authorized representative: Provided, that, no cockfighting on the occasion of such fair, carnival or exposition shall be allowed within the month of a local fiesta or for more than two occasions a year in the same city or municipality: Provided, further, that no cockfighting shall be held on December 30 (Rizal Day), June 12 (Philippine Independence Day), November 30 (National Heroes Day), Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Election or Referendum Day and during Registration Days for such election or referendum.(e) Cockfighting for Entertainment of Tourists or for Charitable Purposes. — Subject to the preceding subsection hereof, the Chief Constabulary or his authorized representative may also allow the holding of cockfighting for the entertainment of foreign dignitaries or for tourists, or for returning Filipinos, commonly known as "Balikbayan", or for the support of national fund-raising campaigns for charitable purposes as may be authorized by the Office of the President, upon resolution of a provincial board, city or municipal council, in licensed cockpits or in playgrounds or parks: Provided, that this privilege shall be extended for only one time, for a period not exceeding three days, within a year to a province, city, or municipality.(f) Other games during cockfights prescribed. — No gambling of any kind shall be permitted on the premises of the cockpit or place of cockfighting during cockfights. The owner, manager or lessee off such cockpit and the violators of this injunction shall be criminally liable under Section 8 hereof.Section 6. Licensing of Cockpits. — City and municipal mayors are authorized to issue licenses for the operation and maintenance of cockpits subject to the approval of the Chief of Constabulary or his authorized representatives. For this purpose, ordinances may be promulgated for the imposition and collection of taxes and fees not exceeding the rates fixed under Section 13, paragraphs (a) and (b); and 19; paragraph (g) 16 of Presidential Decree No. 231, dated June 28, 1973, otherwise known as the Local Tax Code, as amended.Section 7. Cockfighting Officials. — Gaffers, referees or bet takers or promoters shall not act as such in any cockfight herein authorized, without first securing a license renewable every year on their birth month from the city or municipality where such cockfighting is held. Cities and municipalities may charge a tax of not more than twenty pesos. Only licensed gaffers, referees, bet takers or promoters shall officiate in all kinds of cockfighting authorized in this Decree.Section 8. Penal Provisions. — Any violation of the provisions of this Decree and of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of Constabulary pursuant thereto shall be punished as follows:a. By prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine of two thousand pesos, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, when the offender is the financier, owner, manger or operator of a cockpit, or the gaffer, referee or bet taker in cockfights; or the offender is guilty of allowing, promoting or participating in any other kind of gambling in the premises of cockpits during cockfights.b. By prision correccional or a fine of not less than six hundred pesos nor more than two thousand pesos or both, such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, in case of any other offender. Section 9. Repealing Clause. — The provisions of Section 2285 and 2286 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 946, all laws, decrees, rules and regulations, or orders which are inconsistent with this Decree are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.Section 10. Date of Effectivity. — This Decree shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette.Done in the City of Manila, this 9th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.








PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1140

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1140 - AMENDING THE COCKFIGHTING LAW OF 1974

WHEREAS, several petitions have been received from local governments and from owners, lessees
and operators of cockpits for the extension of the period within which to comply with the zoning requirements for
the construction of cockpits as embodied in the Cockpit
Law of 1974; WHEREAS, under said Law, owners, lessees and operators of cockpits were required to transfer their cockpits away from
residential or commercial areas, hospitals, school buildings, churches or other public places within three years from the
effectivity of the Law, which period expired on May 9,
1977;NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by
the Constitution, do hereby extend for another year the period within which owners, lessees and operators of cockpits shall
conform to the provisions of Cockpit Law of 1974, with respect to cockpit sites and their construction.Done in the City of Manila, this 13th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-seven.









PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1310


PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1310 - AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 449, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE COCKFIGHTING LAW OF 1974"

WHEREAS, cockfighting has proven to be one of the major tourist attraction in the Philippines;WHEREAS, under existing law only one cockpit is allowed in each city or municipality;WHEREAS, there is a need to amend the law to allow the establishment of additional cockpits to give impetus to our tourism program.NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree: Section 1. Section (5)b of Presidential Decree No. 449 is hereby amended to read as follows:"(b) Establishment of Cockpits. — Only one cockpit shall be allowed in each city or municipality: Provided, however, That in cities and municipalities with a population of more than one hundred thousand, two cockpits may be established, maintained and operated in the poblacion and one in each city or town district. Section 2. This Decree shall take effect immediately. Done in the City of Manila, this 6th day of March in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.


PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1535
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1535 - EXTENDING THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH TO CONFORM WITH THE ZONING REQUIREMENTS, PRESCRIBED BY PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 449, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "COCKFIGHTING LAW OF 1974"

WHEREAS, cockfighting is still one of the major tourist attractions in the Philippines; WHEREAS, under existing law, owners, lessees or operators of cockpits are given up to May 9, 1978 to conform with the zoning requirements as prescribed by Section 5 (c) of P.D. No. 449;WHEREAS, there is a need to extend the period and give these owners, lessees or operators of cockpits, sufficient time within which to conform with these requirements. NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree: Section 1. Owners, lessees or operators of cockpits which are not in existence and have not conformed with the zoning requirements prescribed by law or ordinance are given two (2) more years from date of effectivity of this Decree to comply therewith. Section 2. All laws, decrees, orders, letters of instructions, rules and regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed, superseded, modified or amended accordingly. Section 3. This Decree shall take effect immediately. Done in the City of Manila, this 11th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.




PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1802

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1802 - CREATING THE PHILIPPINE GAMEFOWL COMMISSION

WHEREAS, Cockfighting as a Filipino heritage has developed to the extent that there is a need to reconcile the interest of Filipino gamefowl breeders and the interest of promoters/operators of international cockfight derbies who make use of imported gamefowls;WHEREAS, a recognition of the entertainment and attraction to tourism aspects of cockfighting must be coupled with continuous government regulation of such sport;WHEREAS, there is need to consolidate in one agency the authority, functions and responsibilities pertinent to the regulation of the various aspects of cockpit operation, cockfighting and gamefowl breeding governments as provided for the Revised Penal Code and various ordinances and national agencies as provided for in their enabling acts and statutes;WHEREAS, in keeping with the multifaceted reforms and changes, there was a need to amend Sections 2285 and 2286 of the Revised Administrative Code through the promulgation of Presidential Decree No. 449;WHEREAS, in furtherance of the avowed policies of the government on cockfighting as contained in Presidential Decree No. 449, there is need to incorporate relevant details which are not explicitly provided in Executive Order No. 636;WHEREAS, under Presidential Decree No. 1416, the President is empowered to undertake such organizational and related improvements as may be appropriate in the light of changing circumstances and new developments.NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree: Section 1. Creation of the Philippine Gamefowl Commission. — There is hereby created under the Office of the President, the Philippine Gamefowl Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be composed of nine (9) members, as follows: the Director of Animal Industry, the Chairman of the Games and Amusement Board; a representative of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development; a representative of the Ministry of Tourism; a representative of the Ministry of Finance; and four (4) other members from the private sector to be appointed by the President, one of whom shall be a representative of a nationwide recognized cockpit owners/operators association.The President shall designate the chairman of the Commission from among its members.Section 2. Powers and Functions of the Commission. — The Commission shall have the following powers, functions and duties: a) Promulgate and enforce rules and regulations relative to the holding of cockfight derbies and cockfights in the Philippines including the frequency sites, conduct and operation of such derbies and cockfights;b) Issue licenses for the holding of international derbies;c) Prescribe policy guidelines for the issuance of permits by the Bureau of Animals Industry for the importation or entry of gamecocks into the country for breeding or competition purposes;d) Fix and periodically revise whenever necessary subject to the approval of the Ministry of Finance, the rates of license fees and other levies that may be imposed on local derbies and cockfights and international cockfight derbies, cockpit personnel and employees;e) To promulgate rules and regulations relative to the holding, methods, procedures, operations and conduct of cockfighting in general as well as accreditation of cockpit personnel and association of cockpit owners, operators and lessees, to elevated the standard of cockfighting;f) To promulgate its own rules and procedures relative to the conduct of its own business;g) To appoint an Executive-Director, subordinate officials and other personnel of the Commission and fix their compensation;h) To establish uniform rules and regulations to govern actual cockfighting enforceable in all cockpits in the Philippines and to provide sanctions for violation thereof; i) To deputize any government office, entity, agency and public officer in the implementation of all laws, decrees, letters of instructions, general orders pertinent to cockfighting rules and regulations issued by the Commission;j) To initiate, undertake, hear and decide any investigation for any violation of this Decree, rules and regulations of the Commission and in connection therewith, to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum;k) To perform such duties and exercise such powers as may be necessary or incidental to achieve the objectives of this Decree;l) To perform such other functions as may be authorized by law.Section 3. The terms defined in Presidential Decree No. 449 and Executive Order No. 636 are herein deemed incorporated.Section 4. City and Municipal Mayors with the concurrence of their respective Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan, shall have the authority to license and regulate regular cockfighting, under the supervision of the City Mayor and the Provincial Governor, as the case may be. (See PD 1802-A)Section 5. Such amount as may be necessary for the operating expenses of the Commission for the current and immediately following calendar year is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of the appropriations for the Commission shall be included in the general appropriations act.Section 6. Penal Provision. — Punishable offenses as provided for in P.D. 449 shall remain punishable under this Decree and any violation of the rules and regulations forthwith to be issued by this Commission shall be treated in accordance with the penal sanctions provided therein.Section 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, specifically the provisions of the Customs and Tariff Code allowing auction of illegally imported gamecocks, decrees, charters, executive orders, administrative orders, proclamations, rules and regulations of parts thereof that are in conflict with this Decree are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.Section 8. Effectivity. — This Decree shall take effect immediately.Done in the City of Manila, this 16th day of January, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-one.




PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1802-A
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1802-A - AMENDING Section 4 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1802 CREATING THE PHILIPPINE GAMEFOWL COMMISSION

I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, Presidential of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decrees:Section 1. Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1802 is hereby amended to read as follows: "Sec. 4. City and Municipal Mayors with the concurrence of their respective "Sanggunians" shall have the authority to license and regulate regular cockfighting pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission and subject to its review and supervision."Section 2. This Decree shall take effect immediately.Done in the City of Manila, this 16th day of January, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-one.

















THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE
OF THE PHILIPPINES
BOOK III
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TITLE TWO. - THE MUNICIPALITY
Article Three. - The Sangguniang Bayan
SEC. 446. Composition. - (a) The sangguniang bayan, the legislative body of the municipality, shall be composed of the municipal vice-mayoras the presiding officer, the regular sanggunian members, the president of the municipal chapter of the liga ng mga barangay, the president of the pambayang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, and the sectoral representatives, as members.
(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from the women; and, as shall be determined by the sanggunian concerned within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of local elections, one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers; and one (1) from the other sectors, including the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.
(c) The regular members of the sangguniang bayan and the sectoral representatives shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by law.
SEC. 447. - Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. - (a) The sangguniang bayan, as the legislative body of the municipality, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code and in the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the municipality as provided for under Section 22 of this Code, and shall:
(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code, grant franchises, enact ordinances authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses, or enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges upon such conditions and for such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the municipality, and pursuant to this legislative authority shall:

(v) Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license the establishment, operation, and maintenance of cockpits, and regulate cockfighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks: Provided, That existing rights should not be prejudiced;


POWERS OF THE GAMES & AMUSEMENT BOARD

In line with the goals and objectives envisioned behind its establishment and pursuant to its various mandates, the GAB is provided with complete power and authority to perform the duties and responsibilities inherent in the work aspects cited hereunder.

SUPERVISION OF INTERNATIONAL COCKFIGHT DERBIESThis Board issues, upon compliance with requirements therefor, permits for the holding of international cockfight derbies, accredits cockpit officiating personnel, supervises the actual holding of such promotions and prescribes policy guidelines for the issuance by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of permits for the importation of foreign-bred gamecocks for competition purposes during such derbies.

KILALANIN NATIN ANG MGA KALABAN NG SABONG

Remate (February 2, 2008)
SENYALES ni Rolando S. Luzong

KILALANIN NATIN ANG MGA KALABAN
NG SABONG

Mula sa website na http://www.activistcash.com/, nalaman natin ang mga impormasyon na ito tungkol sa Humane Society of the United States ng 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037 at may phone number na 001-202-452-1100 Fax 001-202-258-3051 at Email wpacelle@hsus.org
Ayon sa nasabing report :
“Despite the words “humane society” on its letterhead, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not affiliated with your local animal shelter. Despite the omnipresent dogs and cats in its fundraising materials, it’s not an organization that runs spay/neuter programs or takes in stray, neglected, and abused pets. And despite the common image of animal protection agencies as cash-strapped organizations dedicated to animal welfare, HSUS has become the wealthiest animal rights organization on earth.”

Dahil sa magagaling na campaign strategies na madaling makabulag ng pananaw ng marami, nakakakalap ng milyon-milyong dolyar na pondo ang HSUS. Maraming insidente na ang isang mayaman sa Amerika na walang pamilya ay idino-donate ang kanilang yaman sa HSUS. Misan naman, ang alagang aso o pusa ng isang milyonaryo ang pamamanahan ng kanyang yaman at ang HSUS ang ginagawan tagapamahala.
“HSUS is big, rich, and powerful, a “humane society” in name only. And while most local animal shelters are under-funded and unsung, HSUS has accumulated $113 million in assets and built a recognizable brand by capitalizing on the confusion its very name provokes. This misdirection results in an irony of which most animal lovers are unaware: HSUS raises enough money to finance animal shelters in every single state, with money to spare, yet it doesn’t operate a single one anywhere. “
Sa dami ng pondo ng HSUS ay nakapagbabayad sila ng mga writers, mga media reporters, mga television station at iba pang mga paraan upang maipaabot sa mas maraming tao ang kanilang kampanya. Nakakaupa din sila ng mga artista , modelo at mga showbiz personalities. Nakakapaglagay din sila sa mga politico at nakakapag-lobby upang ang mga batas na nais nila ay maipasa, katulad ng Animal Welfare Act na naisagawa dito sa Pilipinas.
“Instead, HSUS spends millions on programs that seek to economically cripple meat and dairy producers; eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research labs; phase out pet breeding, zoos, and circus animal acts; and demonize hunters as crazed lunatics. HSUS spends $2 million each year on travel expenses alone, just keeping its multi-national agenda going. “
Ang Humane Society of the United States o ang tinatawag din na Humane Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals ang matagal na umatake at nagpasama sa imahe at pagkakilala sa larangan ng sabong sa Amerika, kaya isa-isa nilang napatumba ang mga estado kung saan dating sikat ang sabong.
Parang domino na napatumba nila ang mga cockfighting states gaya ng Arizona, Alabama, New Mexico, Okalahoma, Kentucky, Missouri at pati na ang inaakalang hindi magagalaw na Louisiana ay nabihag na din kaya sa Agosto 2008 ay bawal na ang sabong sa kabuuan ng Amerika.
‘Wag natin payagan na makaporma ang HSUS at HSPCA deito sa ating bansa. Sumapi na ngayon sa BANTAY-SABONG, anmg samahan na magbabanatay at magpoprotekta sa ating mahal na libangan, isport at industriya.
Upang sumapi, itext lamang po ang inyong buong pangalan, address, email address kung meron sa 0920-8652755. Isama na din ang inyong komento at pananaw tungkol sa mga kumakalaban at nais matigil ang sabong.

PANAHON NA PARA KUMILOS

Remate (February 1, 2008)
SENYALES ni Rolando S. Luzong

BANTAY-SABONG : PANAHON PARA KUMILOS

Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil matapos na lumabas ang SENYALES kahapon kung saan nananawagan na po ang inyong lingkod ng mga volunteers para sa ating ilulunsad na BANTAY-SABONG ay may mga nagtext na po at nagpahayag ng kanilang kagustuhan na sumama sa krusada at kahandaan na kumilos kung kinakailangan.

Ilan sa mga kasapi na po ng BANTAY-SABONG ay sina Valentin Perez ng Bacoor, Cavite; Alfred C. Arca ng Naic, Cavite; Benjie Go ng San Juan at Luelito Sangalang. Patuloy po tayong mag-iipon ng lakas at puwersa upang salubungin ng harapan ang mga nais na mawala ang sabong dito sa atin bansa katulad ng PETA o People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals na nag-demostrate sa harap ng Araneta Coliseum noong nakaraang Martes, sa pagbubukas ng 2008 World Slasher Cup.

Matapos na formal na naitatag natin ang BANTAY-SABONG ay gagawa tayo ng ating sariling demonstrasyon o rally para ipamuka sa mga kalaban ng sabong na maayos ay marangal ang sabong.

Sa lahat po ng interesadong sumali sa BANTAY-SABONG, mag-text lamang sa 0920-8652755 at ibigay ang inyong kumpletong pangalan, address at contact numbers at padadalan po namin kayo ng I.D. upang maging kasapi kayo ng itatayo nating samahan upang labanan ang mga kalaban ng sabong.

Hinihiling ko din po sa inyo na magpadala ng e-mail sa mga PETAng-ina upang malaman nila na hindi uubra ang katarantaduhan nila sa Pilipinas. Ang e-mail address nila ay Info@PETAAsiaPacific.com. At ang kanilang telepono ay 02-817-5292 na maaari din natin tawagan upang ipaabot natin sa kanila na ang sabong ay bumubuhay ng daan-libo natin mga mamamayan. Iwasan lamang po natin na magbitaw ng mga hindi magandang mga pananalita. Ipakita natin na ang mga sabungero ay maginoo at marangal.

Samantala , ang kanilang address sa Pilipinas ay 176 Salcedo StreetLegaspi Village, Makati City 1229 Philippines at sa harapan ng nasabing building ay magsasagawa tayo ng ating sariling. Sila lang ba ang may karapatan.

Huwag natin payagan na ang nangyari sa Amerika kung saan natigil na ang sabong ay mangyari din diro sa atin. Sama-sama tayong mag-BANTAY-SABONG

Mga PETAng Ina

Remate (January 31, 2008)
SENYALES ni Rolando S. Luzong

Mga PETAng Ina

Noong nakaraang Martes, sa pagbubukas ng 2008 World Slasher Cup 8-Cock Invitational Derby, isang mascot na nakasuot-manok ang nagpapansin sa harap ng Araneta Coliseum. Nagpakilala silang (dalawa lang sila) mga miyembro ng People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals o PETA.

Siyempre nabigla ang mga guwardiya ng Big Dome at upang masiguro na hindi sila mapagalitan o masabon ay pinigilan nila ang pagsasagawa ng nasabing protesta kuno.

Ayon sa spokesman ng nasabing grupo na si Jenelyn Tagasa (taga-saan ka ba para mapaliwanangan ka) ay hindi naman daw sila nangugulo sabay wagayway ng permit umano galing sa Quezon City Hall na inisyu umano sa kanila at malinaw umano na ipinahayag nila na sila ay magpoprotesta laban sa pagdaraos ng sabong. Sino kayang bobong empleyado ng Q.C. ang nag-isyu ng nasabing permit.

Ang argumento umano, base na din sa ipinalabas ng GMA News ay “nasasaktan ang mga manok”. Eh, ‘yun kayang mga manok na kinakain natin at inuulam, hindi kaya nasasaktan ‘yun kapag kinakatay.

Magaling naman ang naging katugunan ng Araneta Coliseum spokesperson na si Grace Magno. Ayon sa kanya “The World Slasher has a permit officially issued by the Games & Amusement Board and in the Philipippines, we have more cockpits than churches”.

Hindi pa natatagalan ay nagrally din ang mga anak ng PETA sa harap ng Manila Zoo upang hingin ang pagpapakawala sa mga hayop doon. Ngayon ay mukhang tumatapang na sila.

Kaya ako ay nananawagan sa lahat ng sabungero dito sa ating bansa pati na ang mga taong nabubuhay sa pagpapalahi at pag-aalaga ng manok panabong, pati na din sa mga kompanya ng mga gamefowl feeds katulad ng Thunderbird at mag empleado nito, kasama na din ang mga may-ari ng poultry supply stores, mga gumagawa ng tari, gumagawa ng tali at mga kahon at lahat ng mga nabubuhay dahil sa sabong. Mag-oorganisa po ako ng isang samahan na tatawagin natin BANTAY-SABONG. Sa lahat po ng interesadong sumali, magtext lamang sa 0920-8652755 at ibigay ang inyong kumpletong pangalan, address at contact numbers at padadalan po namin kayo ng I.D. upang maging kasapi kayo ng itatayo nating samahan upang labanan ang mga kalaban ng sabong.
Hinihiling ko din po sa inyo na magpadala ng e-mail sa mga PETAng-ina upang malaman nila na hindi uubra ang katarantaduhan nila sa Pilipinas. Ang e-mail address nila ay Info@PETAAsiaPacific.com. At ang kanilang telepono ay 02-817-5292. Samantala , ang kanilang address sa Pilipinas ay 176 Salcedo StreetLegaspiVillage, Makati City 1229Philippines

A LAW TO PROTECT COCKFIGHTING

I wrote this article in 2000

A LAW TO PROTECT COCKFIGHTING

An Animal Welfare Act was passed into law under our very noses protecting such animals as dogs, cats, birds and even snakes and reptiles. The law was so cautiously written in the way that despite the very clear mention of dog-fighting and horse-fighting, cockfighting which is so popular was evaded. Why? Because, probably, the anti-cockfighting forces like the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are convinced that the time is not yet ripe for them to engage the Filpino cockers and our lucrative gamefowl industry head-on.
SECTION 1: It is the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as object of trade or as household pets. For purposes of this Act, pet animal shall include birds.
Yes, an Animal Welfare Act has been in placed since more than two years ago. Well and good. However, when we try to nibble in our minds the factors that led to the creation and formulation of the said law and compare it to something else, we will be bothered with so many not-so-good conclusions.
We already know for a fact how well-funded and well-financed most of these anti-cockfighting forces are and they do spend millions for lobby money that has been the curse of the American cockers because they don’t have the resources to at least counter the onslaught of the enemy in equal footing. They might not be outnumbered, but, they are surely outgunned.
An Animal Welfare Act has been included in the law of our land today after only less than ten years of intensive campaign by the HSPCA. The eating of dog meat for “pulutan” has been greatly reduced because of media education. It was a welcome development, although, it is only fair that we allow our cultural minorities in the mountain province to continue practicing their ways like the eating of dog meat which they consider have medicinal values.
The moves of the HSPCA & PETA are slow, but are sure and well-calculated. As they spend millions of pesos in media campaign, they are also protecting their gains and making sure that territories already won will not be lost again by making sure that laws are passed in their favor and according to their plans and objectives.
For the PETA & HSPCA and the anti-cockfighting forces, the time to sow has long started but remains in high gear up to the present. The time to reap has come and they are starting to pick the fruits. The Animal Welfare Act is a great victory for the PETA & HSPCA, but for them the conquest has just began. Of course, their ultimate goal is to be able to completely eradicate the practice of cockfighting in the Philippines like what they were able to achieve in the United States.
Most of us Pinoy sabungero would say, “Oh common, they will never succeed here”. Maybe, just maybe we’re right, but if we will consider what the PETA & the HSPCA has achieved in America, then we might pause for a moment and reassess history. During the heydays of cockfighting in America, roosters are fought in the White House to entertain state guests; George Washington, John Adams and Abe Lincoln are active cockfighters and derbies were being held at the Madison Square Garden. So, is cockfighting more popular in the Philippines or was the sport more accepted in the United States. You be the judge.
Before we turn up into being another America in the making, wherein freedom is abused by a group of people to prevent other groups of people from enjoying their freedom, we should do our move now to preempt them and halt them on their tracks.
The PETA & HSPCA know that a law is their best weapon. Then, it is only fitting that we should also aim for a law that will ensure the protection, continuous practice and moreover the advancement and development of the gamefowl breeding industry and gamefowl competition in the country.
A law that will proclaim or declare “sabong” as a unique cultural heritage of the Filipinos should be passed, with all the protective clauses that will ensure, after a Cockfights Protection Law is signed, that no other law will be proposed against it. We say that cockfighting in the Philippines will not be touched because we have a huge number of government officials, political leaders and of course lawmakers that are within the cocking community. That’s encouraging, but only a law declaring cockfighting as a sport or culture that will be honored and will never be eliminated forever is the best assurance that our children and grandchildren will enjoy cockfighting and gamefowl breeding, as much as we do now.
Furthermore, considering that we were fighting roosters even before the Spaniards and other colonizers came to our shores, the continuance of cockfighting is a testament that we, as a race, has maintained our freedom through time, even only in the practice of the sport and pastime that we truly love.
__________________
BANTAY-SABONG
Magbabantay, Magtatanggol, Magpapatibay ng Sabong
0917-2456608; bantaysabong@gmail.com

BANTAY-SABONG (TAGALOG)

BANTAY-SABONG SPECIAL REPORT

SABONG SA PILIPINAS

Bago pa dumating ang mga Kastila sa ating mga baybayin ay naglalaban na ng mga manok an gating mga ninuno. Ayon kay Pigafetta na tagapagtala ni Magellan, “Nang kami ay dumaong sa isla ng Palawan ay natagpuan namin ang mga katutubo na naglalaban ng malalaki, subalit maaamong mga manok na kinakabitan nang pinatalas na kawayan bilang sandata”

Sa isang case study ng Amerikanong si Scott Guggenheim na tumigil sa Cagayan Valley ng halos dalawang taon, nabanggit na ang pagkahilig ng mga Pinoy sa sabong ay ginamit nang mga Kastila upang mas madali mapahalaan at makontrol ang mga Pinoy. Nagtayo ang mga Kastila ng mga lugar na pagsasabungan at nagsilipat naman sa paligid nito ang mga Pinoy. At kung nagamit man ng mga mananakop ang sabong sa atin, may mga palatandaan at basehan na nagamit din natin ang sabong upang makamit ang kalayaan. Sa isang bahagi ng nobela ni Jose Rizal na Noli Me Tangere na Ang Sabungan, mababasa ang ganito, “Nang lumapit ang magkapatid na Tarsilo at Bruno kay Lucas, hindi sila nabigo. Sila ay binigyan ng tig- P30.00 sa kasunduang sasama sila sa pagsalakay sa kuwartel. Kapag sila ay nakapagsama pa, tig-sasampu uli sa bawat maisama nila. Kapag nagtagumpay sila sa gagawing pagsalakay, may tig-P100 ang mga kasama nila at sila naman ay tig-P200 ang tatanggapin. Tumango sila pareho sa lahat ng kondisyon.”

Nang dumating ang mga Amerikano ay ginawa din nila ang lahat ng paraan upang ilayo ang mga Filipino sa sabong, subalit, nabigo sila. Sa pamamahala ng mga Kano ay maraming aklat ang nasulat na nagpapahayag o bumabatikos sa pagkahilig ng Pinoy sa sabong. Kasama na dito ang kasabihan na “kung nasusunog umano ang bahay ng isang sabungero ay mas una nitong ililgtas ang kanyang manok bago ang kanyang maybahay”

Sinubok din ng mga Kano na pasikatin ang larong baseball ditto sa atin upang mailayo ang atensiyon natin sa sabong subalit wala rin nangyari at patuloy na tinanggap at lumaganap ang sabong sa Pilipinas.

Noong 1974, dalawang taon matapos ideklara ni Ferdinand Marcoas ang Martial Law, ay nilagdaan ang Presidential Decree 449 o ang Cockfighting Law of 1974


SABONG SA DEKADA 80

1981 nang maitatag ang Philippine Gamefowl Commission sa pamamagitan ng Presidential Decree 1802.

Ang dekada-80 ang panahon na kinakitaan ng kakaibang sigla ang sabong. Ang pamamayani ng mga matatawag na Filipino breeds tulad ng Lemon 84, Mitra Blues at Zamboanga Whites ay nagbigay-kulay at pag-asa sa larangan ng sabong.

Sa panahon ding ito pumaimbulog amg mga personalidad na mga kinilalang mga bituin ng sabong.

Nabuksan din at nagsulputan ang mga bagong sabungan tulad ng San Juan Coliseum, Cavite Coliseum at Roligon Mega Cockpit na nagtanghal ng mga record-breaking events na nagpatingkad pa sa kontribusyon ng Araneta Coliseum na World Slasher Cup.


SABONG SA DEKADA 90

Ang pagkakapasa ng Local Government Code of 1991, na nagbuwag sa Philippine Gamefowl Commission at nagbigay sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ng ganap na awtoridad at kapangyarihan sa sabong ay naging daan upang lumuwag ang mga restriksiyon sa sabong at lalo pang lumaganap ang sabong.

Lalong dumami ang mga sabungan.

Sa panahon ding ito naglabasan ang maraming mga babasahin tungkol sa sabong tulad ng Pinoy Sabungeo Magasin; Sabong Magasin; Birds & Steel at Philippine Cockfights Newsmag. Naumpisahan din ang tv program na Tukaan.

Dekada-90 din ng nag-umpisang lumabas ang mga espesyal na patuka at mga gamot para sa manok-panabong tulad ng Thunderbird Power Feeds at Lakpue Drug.

Ang pagdami ng mga sabungan ay nagresulta sa matinding kumpetisyon na nagbigay-daan sa mga matitinding promosyon na nagbigay ng mga malalaking ganitimpala, kahit maliit lamang ang mga entry fees katulad ng mga debies na Hatawan sa Tag-ulan at Largahan ng Roligon Mega Cockpit.


2000 HANGGANG SA KASALUKUYAN

Hindi maikakaila na ang pinakamalaking kaganapan sa pagpasok ng ikalawang sentenyal ay ang pagkakatatag ng National Federation of Gamefowl Breeders na nagbuklod sa mga dati nang breeders’ associations at nagbigay inspirasyon upang ang mga nagpapalahi ng manok-pananbong sa iba pang rehiyo at lalawigan ay magtayo din ng kani-kanilang mga samahan.

Ang taunang Bakbakan National Stag Derby nang NFGB naman ang nagturok ng masustansiyang bitamina sa sabong na biglang nagpalakas at nagpasigla dito. Inumpisahan noong 2000, patuloy na tumaas ang dami ng mga lumalahok taon-taon hanggang sa umabot na sa 1,274 noong 2006 at 1,463 naman noong 2007 kung saan P15 milyon na ang kabuuang premyo.

Sumunod ay ang pagluluwag sa importasyon ng mga manok-panabong mula sa Amerika. Kung noon dati ay ang mga kalahok lamang sa international derby ang maaring magpasok ng manok, napayagan na na sinuman na ang manukan o farm ay nakareshitro sa Bureau of Animal Industry ay maari nang mag-import ng manok. Ito ang naging daan ng pagdagsa ng mga imported na breeding stocks na nag-angat sa mga ordinaryong mananabong na makapantay sa mga bigtime na sabungerong dati ay nakalalamang ng malaki dahil sa lahi, galing at tibay ng kanilang mga manok-panabong. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay nabalanse ang tiyansa ng panalo ng mga “meron” at ng mga “wala”.

Sa kasalukuyan ay nasa pimakamasaya, pinakamasigla at pinakamaunlad na estado ang Philippine cockfighting.

May apat na telebisyon program sa free tv (Tukaan, Sagupaan, Pilipinas Sabong Sports at Hataw Pinoy) at dalawa naman sa cable (Sultad at Sabong Pinoy).

May pitong magazines ang nasa sirkulasyon (Sabong Star; Fightingcock; Pit Games; Cockfights; Llamado; Sabong Pinoy at Sagupaan). Idagdag pa rito ang pahayagan Larga na inilunsad noong Oktubre 2007.

Naging dalawa ang pederasyon ng itatag ang United Gamecock Breeders Association ng mga grupong tumiwalag sa NFGB.

Sa kasalukuyan ay binubuo na ng 24 na asosasyon ang NFGB na maari pang umabot ng 30 kapag naaprubahan ang aplikasyon ng 6 pang bagong samahan na nais maging kasapi ng nito.

Sa ngayon ay tinatayang may 15 milyon sultada o labanan ng manok ang nagaganap taon-taon na nangangahulugan ng 30 milyon manok-panabong. Ang numerong ito ay pinatutunayan ng pagpasok ng malalaking kumpanya sa negosyo ng gamefowl feeds at medicine.

Maliban sa Thunderbird Power Feeds ng ay pumasok na din ang Sagupaan ng sikat na sabungerong si Patrick Antonio; Derby Ace ng B-meg (San Miguel Corp.); Purina (Cargill); Supremo Feeds ng Robichem (Gokongwei Group); Ninja Feeds (Lucio Tan Group); Panabong Feeds ng Vitarich (Sarmiento Group); Raptor (CJ Feeds); Power Bullets (Feedmix) at marami pang maliliit na iba.

Maliban sa Univet ng Unilab at Lakpue Drug ay pumasok na rin ang Excellence Gamefowl Specialists; Tynor Laboratories; Asvet; Ave Science; Bayer; Novartis atbp.

Araw-araw na ngayon ang sabong at may mga sabungan pa katulad ng Cainta Coliseum na may mga pagkakataon na nag-uumpisa ng ika-2 ng umaga dahil sa dami ng kasali.

Sa halip na World Slasher Cup lamang ay umaabot na ng lima hanggang anim ang ginagawang international derby taon-taon.

Buhay na buhay ang sabong. Hindi maikakaila na libo-libong pamilya ang nabubuhay sa gamefowl industry.

Nariyan ang mga direktang nakikinabang : mga gamefowl breeders; mga handlers; mga mananari; mga cockpit owners (may mahigit na 2,000 sabungan sa buong bansa); mga cockpit operators; mga derby promoters; mga empleado ng sabungan; mga poultry supply store owners at mga tauhan nila; mga kristo; mga vendors sa loob at labas ng sabungan; mga feed millers at mga gamefowl vetmed producers; mga gumagawa at nagbebenta ng tali, tari, kahon, folding pens, gloves, carrying cases, painuman, baina, kulungan at marami pang ibang gamit sa pagsasabong at pagpapalahi at pagpapalaki ng mga manok.Napakami nila.

Napakarami rin ang nakikibang dahil sa kanilang paghahanapbuhay sa mga industriyang binubuhay ng sabong katulad ng mga kawani at mga trabahador sa mga gamefowl feeds at vetmed companies; mga restaurant at iba pang establisimento na nakapaligid sa mga sabungan at tiantangkilik ng mga sabungero; mga airlines na pinagkakargahan ng daan-daang manok-panabong araw-araw; mga local government tulad ng Bacolod City na kumikita ng malaking buwis mula sa benta ng manok-panabong.


BAKIT MAY MGA NAIS NA MAPATIGIL
ANG SABONG



Marahil ay napanood ninyo sa telebisyon o nabasa sa mga pahayagan ang eksenang ito na naganap sa harapan ng Araneta Coliseum noong Enero 29, 2008 habang ginaganap ang unang araw ng 2008 World Slasher Cup-I 8-Cock International Derby.

Ang nagsagawa ng nasabing umano’y isang demonstrasyon ay dalawang miyembro ng PETA o People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, na ayon sa kanilang spokesperson na si Jennelyn Tagasa ay “nasasaktan na ang mga manok” kaya raw dapat na natin tigilan ang pagsasabong.

Ang PETA at ang HSPCA o Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ay mga samahan na siyang nakapagpatigil ng sabong sa Amerika na makukumpleto na sa Agosto 2008 kapag naging bawal na din ang sabong sa State of Louisiana - na siyang pinakahuling lugar na lamang sa U.S. kung saan nakapagsasabong pa sila sa kasalukuyan.

Marami pos a ating mga Sabungerong Pinoy ang magsasabi na, “Aba, malabong matigil ang sabong sa Pilipinas, sikat na sikat yata ang sabong dito”

May katotohanan po ‘yan, subalit alam ba ninyo kung gaano kasikat ang sabong sa Amerika noong araw. Suriin po natin :

a) Bagama’t marami tayong Congressmen na mga sabungero at mayroon tayong mga Senador na mahilig sa sabong, hindi pa tayo nagkaroon ng Pangulo na sabungero. Samantala ang mga unang Presidente ng Amerika ay mga sabungero katulad nila Geroge Washington; John Adams at Abraham Lincoln na nakuha ang taguring “Honest Abe” dahil sa kanyang pagiging magaling at tapat na sentenciador. Siya rin ang nagdeklara na, “As long as the Almighty has permitted intelligent men, created in his likeness, to fight in public and kill each other while the world looks on approvingly, it’s not for me to deprive the chickens of the same privilege”

b) Noong una, ang sabong ay ginagawa mismo sa White House bilang bahagi ng entertainment para sa mga panauhin ng bansa (state guests).

c) Ang TANDANG o ROOSTER ay natalo lamang ng isang boto ng AMERICAN BALD EAGLE nang pinagbotohan kung alin ang magiging national bird ng Amerika at mapapasama sa mga emblem o sagisag ng kanilang matataas na pinuno.

d) Kung dito sa atin ay ginagawa ang sabong sa Araneta Coliseum, dapat din nating malaman na ang malalaking derbies noon sa Amerika ay ginaganap mismo sa Madison Square Garden.

Ipinapahayag ng PETA at HSPCA na ang kanilang kinakampanya ay ang pagmamahal sa mga hayop, malalaman natin sa mga website na http://www.activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/oid/136 at sa http://petakillsanimals.com/ kung gaano karaming hayop ang pinapatay ng mga nasabing grupo. Malinaw na kumikita na malaking halaga ang mga grupong ito dahilan sa kanilang kampanya at magpapatuloy sila hanggang sa mya nakakalap silang mga donasyon.

Sa ilang mga television programs, lalo na ‘yung mga pambata, ay gumagastos ang mga kalaban ng sabong at maingat na ipinatutupad ang kanilang kampanya sa pamamagitan ng paglason sa kaisipan ng ating mga kabataan na pinaniniwala nilang masama ang sabong.

Gumagamit sila ng mga artista at mga modelo upang maikalat ang kanilang nais at makakuha ng simpatiya.


BANTAY-SABONG

Ang pagbabago ng estratehiya ng mga kalaban ng sabong na dati ay patago lamang ang pagkilos, samantalang ngayon ay hayagan na ang pagbangga sa mga sabungero ang nagtulak sa ilang mga nagmamahal sa sabong na ilunsad ang Bantay-Sabong.

Bagama’t marami nang mga samahan ng mga breeders at mga cockers ngayon sa ating bansa, nakita ng mga nagtatag ng Bantay-Sabong ang pangangailangan ng isang samahan na direkta rin na makikipaglaban sa mga nais magpatigil ng sabong at mabantayan ang mga kilala at maipluwensiyang mga tao o grupo na nagpapahayag ng hindi pagsang-ayon sa sabong.

Layunin ng Bantay-Sabong ang Magbantay, Magtanggol at Magpatibay sa Sabong at lahat ng may ganitong paninindigan at pananaw ay inaayayahan namin na sumapi sa Bantay-Sabong.


Sa kasalukuyan po ay mayroong nang halos 300 ang kasapi ng Bantay-Sabong na binubuo ng nagmamahal sa sabong mula sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at mga sabungerong OFW na nakabase sa kung saan-sang bansa na lumahok sa pamamagitan ng internet.

Sa darating na Marso 27, sa Cainta Coliseum ay gagawin ang Bantay-Sabong Super 1-Cock Ulutan upang makalikom ng pondo para sa Bantay-Sabong.

Ang lahat po na nagmamahal sa sabong ay inaayayahan na sumali sa nasabing pasabong.

Sa lahat po na nais maging isang Bantay-Sabong , mangyari pong tumawag o magtext kayo sa telepono 0917-2456608 o kaya ay mag-email sa bantaysabong@gmail.com

BANTAY-SABONG : THE BEGINNING

BANTAY-SABONG SPECIAL REPORT

COCKFIGHTING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Even before the Spanish colonizers landed in our shores, our forefathers were already fighting roosters. According to Magellan’s chronicler Pigafetta when they landed in the island of Palawan, “We found the natives fighting huge, but tamed roosters”
In a case study by American Scott Guggenheilm, who stayed in Cagayan Valley for almost two years, it was mentioned that the Filipino’s fondness for cockfighting was emploed by the Spaniards to govern the natives easier. People were living so far apart from each other. The rulers built cockpits and the natives transferred around the establishments. It was also thru cockfighting that the first acts of taxation were implemented. Though it may be true that cockfighting was used against us, we did turned the tables on them in the same manner, due to the fact that the cockpit became the ideal recruitment places for the members of the Katipunan na naging daan upang makamit natin ang kalayaan. In the chapter The Cockpit of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, this conversation between Lucas and bothers Bruno & Tarsilo can be read :
“I’ve already told you. If you will undertake to get others for the purpose of making a surprise-attack on the barracks, I’ll give each of you thirty pesos and ten pesos for each companion you bring. If all goes well, each one will receive a hundred pesos and you double that amount. Don Crisostomo is rich.”
“Accepted!” exclaimed Bruno. “Let’s have the money.”
“I knew you were brave, as your father was! Come, so that those fellows who killed him may not overhear us,” said Lucas, indicating the civil-guards
When the Americans came, they implemented things to make the Filipinos turn their backs and forget about cockfighting, but hey failed. Under the American regime, textbooks were printed in the hope of putting the Sport in a bad light, thus the saying that “if a cocker’s house would catches fire, he will save his cock first then his wife”

The Americans also introduced baseball to the hilt, hoping the youth would adopt the said sport and completely veer away from cockfighting, but to no avail and cockfighting continuously became popular.

In 1974, two years after Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, he signed Presidential Decree 449 or what is known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974.

COCKFIGHTING DURING THE 80s

In 1981 the Philippine Gamefowl Commission was created by virtue of Presidential Decree 1802.

The 80s was the decade when Philippine cockfighting saw a strong resurgence. The success of what were considered as truly Filipino breeds such as the Lemon 84, the Mitra Blues and the Zamboanga Whites gave new color and a fountain of hope to the Sport.

It was also during this time that a number of cocking stars rose to fame.

New cockpits were built while existing ones were refurbished and improved such as San Jaun Coliseum, Cavite Coliseum and Roligon Mega Cockpit that presented record-breaking events that brightly augmented the glitter of Aranete Coliseum’s revered contribution to Philippine cockfighting , the World Slasher Cup.


COCKFIGHTING DURING THE 90s

The passing into law of the Omnibus Local Government Code of 1991 that ordered the devolution of the Philippine Gamefowl Commission and gave the local government units blanket authority and power over cockfighting, paved the way in the easing up of restrictions on cockfighting that blew open the long overdue expansion of cockfighting.

More cockpits were established.

It was also during this period that several periodicals on the Sport were put in circulation such as Pinoy Sabungeo Magasin; Sabong Magasin; Birds & Steel and Philippine Cockfights Newsmag. Tukaan, the first tele-magazine program on cockfighting and gamefowl breeding went on air in 1999.

It was also in the 90s when specialty feeds, vitamins and medicine for the gamefowls that were produced by such companies as Thunderbird Power Feeds and Lakpue Drug.

The huge increase in the number of cockpits resulted in stiff competition to the benefit of the cockfighters. Rich and attractive derby promotions became popular. They offered large guaranteed prizes with easily affordable entry fees like the Hatawan sa Tag-ulan and Largahan of Roligon.


2000 TO THE PRESENT

It can not be denied that at the onset of the second centennial, the biggest thing that ever happened to Philippine cockfighting, particularly in the field of gamefowl breeding, came to a reality. It was the creation of the National Federation of Gamefowl Breeders that bind the already existing breeders’ associations under one umbrella and also provided the inspiration for gamefowl breeders in every region and provinces to put up their respective associations.

NFGB’s Annual Bakbakan National Stag Derby was the shot in the arm that introduced the much-needed adrenalin to the veins of Philippine cockfighting that empowered and livened up the Sport and the gamefowl industry as well. Started in 2000, participants to Bakbakan continue to increase each year that reached 1,274 in 2006 and a world record 1,463 entries in 2007 when the richest prize money of P15 million was awarded.

The next big development was the easing up on the importation of fightingcocks and breeding stocks from America. While, before that time only participants in an international derby can bring gamebirds into the country, the Bureau of Animal Industry surprisingly allowed anyone to import, as long as his farm is registered with the said agency.

For the first time the fighting chances of the “haves” (meron) and the “have-nots” (wala) are leveled.

Nowadays, Philippine cockfighting is at an all time high.

There are four television programs aired on free tv (Tukaan, Sagupaan, Pilipinas Sabong Sports at Hataw Pinoy), while there are two shown on cable channels (Sultada and Sabong Pinoy).

There are seven magazines in circulation (Sabong Star; Fightingcock; Pit Games; Cockfights; Llamado; Sabong Pinoy and Sagupaan). Add to this is the new cockers tabloid Larga which was launched in October 2007.

There are now two federations after the United Gamecock Breeders Association was formed by groups that decided to dismember from the NFGB.

Today, NFGB is composed of 24 member breeders’ associations, which would eventually grow to 30, when the six new applicants are formally accepted later on.

It is estimated that 15 million rooster matches are held each year which translates to 30 million gamebirds. These huge numbers are proven by the entry of large conglomerate in the gamefowl health and nutrition business.

In addition to Thunderbird Power Feeds also joining the fray later were Sagupaan owned by popular cocker Patrick Antonio; Derby Ace of B-meg (San Miguel Corp.); Purina (Cargill); Supremo Feeds of Robichem (Gokongwei Group); Ninja Feeds (Lucio Tan Group); Panabong Feeds of Vitarich (Sarmiento Group); Raptor (CJ Feeds); Power Bullets (Feedmix) and a host of several others.

Other that Unilab’s Univet and Lakpue Drug, more vetmed companies followed suit that include Excellence Gamefowl Specialists; Tynor Laboratories; Asvet; Ave Science; Bayer; Novartis etc.

More and more cockpits now operate on a daily basis and there are others like the Cainta Coliseum that sometimes would start their cockfights as early as two in the morning due to immense number of entries.

Before, it was only the World Slasher Cup, but today there are five to six international derbies are being held each year.

Philippine cockfighting is alive and kicking and tens if not hundreds of thousands of families now owe their livelihood to cockfighting and the gamefowl industry.

There are those who are directly employed : the gamefowl breeders; handlers; gaffres; cockpit owners (there are more than 2,000 cockpits nationwide); cockpit operators; derby promoters; cockpit workers; poultry supply store owners and their employees; bet-takers; vendors inside and outside the cockpits; feed millers and gamefowl vetmed producers; manufacturers of cords, knives, boxes, folding pens, gloves, carrying cases, feeding cups, scabbards, pens and many more implements and paraphernalia used in fighting, breeding and raising gamebirds. There are minions of them.

Thousands more are benefited by way of employment in allied industries that provides products and services to cockfighting and gamefowl breeding. Such as those that work in gamefowl feeds at vetmed companies; in restaurants and other establishments around the cockpits; the airlines that carriy hundreds of gamebirds back and forth across the islands; the respective local government units like Bacolod City that earns from fees and taxes out of rooster sales and shipments.

Today, the sport of cockfighting and the gamefowl breeding industry is estimated to be a whopping P50 billion or $1.2 billion.


WHY ARE THERE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO STOP COCKFIGHTING IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Chances are you have seen on television or have read in the newspapers about the two members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) who tried to staged a demonstration in front of 2008 World Slasher Cup-I 8-Cock International Derby at the Araneta Coliseum last January 29, 2008.

In an interview with the PETA spokesperson Jennelyn Tagasa she declared that “cockfighting should be stopped because the roosters are being hurt (nasasaktan na ang mga manok kaya raw dapat na natin tigilan ang pagsasabong)”.

PETA and the HSPCA o Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are the groups responsible for the stoppage and the outlawing of cockfighting in America that will be fully completed when the suppoed last bastion of cockfighting in America- the State of Louisiana wherein the Sport will be rendered illegal come August 2008.

Most Filipino cockers may say “No way that cockfighting will be eradicated in the Philippines, because of its extreme popularity”

That may be is true. However, do you know how popular cockfighting was in the States in the old days? Let’s find out.

a) While it is true that we have several congressmen who are cockers and we senators who also go to the pits, we are yet to elect a cocker as president. In America, the first presidents were cockers such as George Washington; John Adams and Abraham Lincoln who earned the name “Honest Abe” for being a good and honest cockfights referee. As President , he was approached by people who are seeking the eradication of cockfighting during that time for which he uttered these famous words, “As long as the Almighty has permitted intelligent men, created in his likeness, to fight in public and kill each other while the world looks on approvingly, it’s not for me to deprive the chickens of the same privilege”

b) In the early days, state guests in the White House are presented with cockfighting as part of entertainment.

c) The ROOSTER lost by only a single vote against the AMERICAN BALD EAGLE for being the national bird of America.

PAGE 6
d) We may be staging derbies at the plush Araneta Coliseum, but would you believe that during the 60s and 70s they were holding big cockfights at the Madison Square Garden.

The people of PETA and the HSPCA are preaching about love for animals, but we will know from these websites http://petakillsanimals.com and the http://www.activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/oid/136 that they are only for money and how many animals they have to put to death in the course of their campaign.

In several local television programs, particularly children’s shows, it is obvious how the wealth of these anti-cockfighting forces is being put to work. Discreetly, they are able to advance their objective by poisoning the minds of our children, employing such crazy tactics like the introduction of a “fairy-godmanok” who professes that cockfighting should be stopped because the roosters are about to be extinct.

They also employ movie actors and models to drumbeat their cause, so as to gain sympathy and support.

BANTAY-SABONG

The emboldened shift of strategy by the enemies of cockfighting from the crouching to the standing posture, have driven a handful of cockfighting lovers to form Bantay-Sabong.

And while there are already a lot of cockers and breeders organizations in existence, the founders of Bantay-Sabong saw a need for a movement that will engage head-on the various entities that aim to stop our Sport and take away from us a tradition that was handed down to us by our forefathers.

It is the goal of Bantay-Sabong to Guard (Magbantay), Depend (Magtanggol) and Strengthen (Magpatibay) Sabong and we call on all lovers of cockfighting to join us in this fight by joining Bantay-Sabong.

To date, we have about 300 members of Bantay-Sabong comprised of cockers from different parts of the country and OFW cockers based in various countries around the world who are hooked up to Bantay-Sabong via the internet.

All those who wishes to be a member of Bantay-Sabong may call or text us at 0917-2456608 o you can send email to bantaysabong@gmail.com. You can also register thru your local chapter of Bantay-Sabong at this address & contact numbers _______________________________________________________.