ILOILO – Breeders and cockpit operators in this province are batting for the delayed digital telecast and data streaming of cock derbies or bulang, as well as the easing on the limit of the number of live audience attending such.
In an interview with Panay News, Board Member Ramon Sullano, chairman of the 13th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) committee on games and amusement, confirmed that several associations approached him last week and aired their concerns.
These included the group of Atty. Jojo Lutero, representative of cockpit operators in Iloilo and Guimaras, and the Panay Gamefowl Breeders Association (PAGBA) represented by Atty. Jun Altura.
A committee hearing was convened on Feb. 10.
According to Sullano, the PAGBA spelled out reasons why the bulang telecast should be delayed and the number of people allowed in cockpits be adjusted.
“Naga-ayu sila nga mabuhi-buhi man ang operations sang cockpit and mabuhi man ang aton mga pumoluyo nga nagasalig sa cockfighting industry. Kay sa cockfighting industry damo involved like empleyado sang cockpit operators kag mga vendors sa gwa sang cockpit arena,” Sullano said.
If the operators’ request is granted, local government units can gain bigger income from the supposed taxes, he added.
With this, Sullano is planning to introduce two resolutions next week in favor of the said pleas.
One would be a resolution “interposing no objection” on the delay of the digital broadcast, and another allowing spectators 30 percent of the total capacity of the venue.
But even if the resolutions get the SP’s approval, Sullano clarified that it would still depend on the local government units if they would welcome the supposed adjustments.
Under the current directive of the inter-agency taskforce and the Department of Interior and Local Government, online bulang is prohibited.
Starting Nov. 1 last year, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. allowed the operations of licensed cockpits and the conduct of cockfighting activities in the province.
On Oct. 31, the governor issued Executive Order No. 183-D, “extending the effectivity of Executive Order No. 183, Series of 2020, as amended and implemented adjusted community quarantine measures on aged-based stay-at home restrictions and operations of cockpits under modified general community quarantine.”/PN
