Treñas OKs ‘online bulang’ ordinance

Treñas
Treñas

ILOILO City – Bulang is entrenched in the Ilonggo culture, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas. Staging it virtually in this time of pandemic is the safest way to avoid transmitting or contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “Tradition na ina naton,” he stressed.

Four days before the Jaro district patronal fiesta, Treñas signed a franchise ordinance allowing the delayed broadcast and data streaming of cock derbies in select commercial establishments here.

The franchisee is the United Association of Cockpit Owners and Operators of the Philippines, Inc. (UACOOPI). It is now authorized to establish, operate and maintain off site cockpit betting centers within the city.

Amid doubts on the legality of the franchise ordinance, Treñas said “it can only be questioned with the courts and only upon final judgment.”

He cited several local government units in the country that also adopted similar ordinances. 

“Manila, Quezon City and many other cities have approved this kind of ordinance,” said Treñas.

Jaro fiesta’s cock derby, held annually at the Iloilo Coliseum in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, attracts thousands of patrons even outside Iloilo City.

With restrictions on people’s movements due to the coronavirus pandemic, UACOOPI aims to stream derbies online.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod granted UACOOPI the franchise on Jan. 26 a week after Mayor Treñas endorsed it as “urgent”. 

According to Councilor Carlos “Jojo” Javellana who chairs the SP committee on games, amusement and professional sports, the franchise is valid for only one year.

A review will be required before it could be renewed or extended, he stressed.

It was Javellana’s committee which recommended to the SP the granting of the franchise to UACOOPI.

UACOOPI based in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila is a duly registered association that caters to the needs of owners, operators and promoters of cockpits and cock derbies.

Citing safety health protocols against coronavirus, Javellana said, “Apat lang ka tawo makasulod per entry unlike before nga damu-damo.”

As to the guidelines on how to conduct the online cockfights, it has to go through the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

GAB has the continuing regulatory powers over all aspects of cockfighting as provided in Presidential Decree No. 1802 (Creating the Philippine Gamefowl Commission). It grants authority to take video, live coverage of cockfights and live stream the same, subject to terms and conditions.

During the deliberation of Javellana’s committee report, councilors Rudolph Ganzon and Frances Parcon opposed the granting of an online bulang franchise to UACOOPI./PN

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