Tolentino calls out PAGCOR over e-sabong operation on Good Friday

Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday questioned the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) after an e-sabong event pushed through during the observance of Good Friday.

At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the cases of missing cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros, Tolentino said PAGCOR might be failing in its job to regulate such gaming operations.

“I noticed that even on a Good Friday, contrary to what PAGCOR has been saying that they have been regulating e-sabong, on that very Good Friday two days ago, there was e-sabong,” he said, adding that he was able to watch a game.

“Nakakagulat naman po yun (That was shocking). There should be at least a semblance of respect for our tradition. And I ask PAGCOR why this happened?” he added.

Tolentino pointed out that casinos and even other commercial establishments temporarily closed operations on Good Friday to respect the occasion.

Committee chairperson Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa agreed with Tolentino considering that the country was observing the Christian tradition.

Dela Rosa called the attention of the PAGCOR to address the issue.

“Anyway, Senator Tolentino, this Committee would like to seek the feedback coming from PAGCOR why this happened,” he said.

GMA News Online contacted PAGCOR for comment but has yet to receive a reply. —with a report from Jon Viktor Cabuenas/KG, GMA News