Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the cessation of all online cockfighting operations known as e-sabong [1][2] like WPC 2027. Following the President’s order, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) ceased e-sabong nationwide. Pagcor Chair Andrea Domingo said that the stoppage could result in revenue losses amounting to PHP4bn to PHP5bn ($83m to $103m) this year, as e-sabong generated PHP650m in monthly revenues and could have collected up to PHP8bn in revenues from e-Sabong International this year [1]. The ban was later made permanent by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing the status of the e-sabong space and unresolved cases of kidnapping. However, the ban on e-sabong does not prevent the physical fights themselves, which will still be legal but must follow established laws [3].
References:
[1] Pagcor chief Domingo: E-sabong stopped “immediately” [2] Duterte stops e-sabong operations – CNN Philippines [3] President Marcos Reaffirms Ban on E-Sabong in the PhilippinesIs Sabong International Suspended?
It is important to note that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the cessation of all online cockfighting operations known as e-sabong [1]. Following the President’s order, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) ceased e-sabong nationwide. The ban was later made permanent by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing the status of the e-sabong space and unresolved cases of kidnapping. However, the ban on e-sabong does not prevent the physical fights themselves, which will still be legal but must follow established laws [3].
References:
[1] Sabong International | Online Sabong Live 03/19/2023 [2] Sabong International PH [3] Virtue | Results for ‘sabong international live stream todayPhilippine National Police wants e-sabong Illegal
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recommended that online cockfighting, or “e-sabong,” be classified as an illegal gambling activity under Philippine law [1]. The PNP has expressed concerns over the potential for increased criminal activity and the negative impact on public morals and values associated with e-sabong [1]. The Anti-Cybercrime Group has also proposed sanctions against service providers that fail to block websites offering e-sabong games [1]. The Tagbilaran City Council in the Philippines has also passed an ordinance to ban e-sabong, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 15 days or a fine of P2,500, or both, depending on the court’s discretion [3]. These actions signal a growing concern over the impact of e-sabong in the Philippines, and a push towards stronger laws and regulations to prevent its negative consequences.
References:
[1] PNP wants ‘e-sabong’ classified as illegal gambling [2] PNP wants e-sabong tagged as illegal gambling act [3] Tagbilaran SP OKs ordinance banning ‘e-sabong’Is e-Sabong International still available in the Philippines?
E-sabong, which refers to online betting on cockfighting matches, was banned by the previous president in May 2022 [1]. However, despite the ban, e-sabong reportedly continues to take place illegally across the country, with some operations earning as much as PHP1 billion ($18.36m) a day [1]. While the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has stated during a Senate hearing that e-sabong operations have not returned, there are reports of illegal operations [2]. As of a report in November 2022, e-sabong continues to thrive in clandestine dirt rings and secret farms throughout the country, with fights being streamed to online gamblers [3]. Therefore, it can be inferred that while e-sabong is technically banned, it is still being conducted illegally in the Philippines.
References:
[1] Philippines National Police Want E-Sabong Officially Branded … [2] E-sabong is back? No, says Pagcor – Inquirer.net [3] Yes, e-sabong is still very much alive | Philstar.comPNP Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has acknowledged the difficulties in curbing e-sabong
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has acknowledged the difficulties in curbing e-sabong due to the technological aspect. With e-sabong websites hosted outside the Philippines, they can only be blocked and not taken down, which allows them to continue operating via a virtual private network. The PNP is facing a well-financed opposition, with some individuals engaged in e-sabong having overwhelming resources, making it difficult for the government to curb such operations. Azurin has called on the government to strengthen its cyber capabilities to better address the issue of e-sabong in the Philippines [1].
E-sabong: 236 sites taken down
According to PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has taken down 236 websites, Facebook pages, chat groups, and accounts as a result of their monitoring efforts to curb e-sabong.
Philippine ordered the cessation of all Online Cockfighting and the platform WPC2027 is still available?
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a ban on online cockfighting, or e-sabong, and has vowed to stop the activity due to concerns about its detrimental effects on people and their families. It is unclear from the given information whether the platform WPC2027 is still available for e-sabong. However, with the ban issued by the President, it is expected that all online cockfighting platforms, including wpc2027, will be prohibited from operating in the Philippines. The ban on e-sabong is part of the government’s efforts to curb gambling addiction and criminal activity associated with the activity [1][2][3].
References:
[1] President Duterte Bans Online Cockfighting in the Philippines [2] Duterte bans all online cockfighting in the Philippines [3] Philippines’ Duterte vows to ban online cockfighting – France 24
