Sara Duterte: Davao exec quit over cockfights held ahead of COVID-19 quarantine

A Davao official has resigned after three cockfighting events were held in the city in early March as the number of COVID-19 cases started to climb in the country.

Mayor Sara Duterte was referring to the derby which took place on March 7, 10, and 12, 2020 at the New Matina Gallera.

Sara said the events did not violate the community quarantine due to COVID-19 since the stay-at-home period took effect after the said dates.

However, she said the business permit and licensing division of the city could have stopped the holding of the said events.

"It was a judgment call that was never made. This person already tendered resignation effective April 4, 2020,” Sara said in a statement.

“This serves as a reminder for all officials in the City government to always put forward the general welfare of the residents of the city,” she added.

Investigation showed that the Sangguniang Panlungsod issued a Resolution approving the conduct of the derby last February 4.

The Davao City Business Permit and Licensing Division then issued the permit on March.

Sara on March 8 issued guidelines on preventing COVID-19 transmission which “clearly set the direction of postponing such events.”

“On March 12, 2020, I instructed the Davao City Police Office to shut down all galleras upon learning about the ongoing derby,” Sara said.

“I hope that this shall be a lesson that no one will ever forget, especially for those who work to serve Davao City and the Dabawenyos,” she added.

Davao City has at least 40 COVID-19 cases. -NB, GMA News