The legality of a cockfighting event held during the recent fiesta celebration in Matag-ob, Leyte has come under scrutiny after former mayor Michael Torrevillas requested official documents to determine whether the activity was properly authorized.
In a letter dated June 24, Torrevillas asked the Sangguniang Bayan to provide copies of records related to the cockfighting event in Barangay Bonoy, including the municipal council resolution authorizing the activity, the organizers’ request or application, endorsements from the Office of the Mayor, and the minutes of the session where the matter was discussed.
He also sought copies of permits or clearances issued by the Philippine National Police and other concerned government agencies.
Torrevillas did not state the reason for requesting the documents.
The cockfighting activity was held from June 11 to 14 on a vacant lot in Barangay Bonoy as part of Matag-ob’s annual fiesta celebration.
Under Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, local government units may allow cockfights during fiestas for a limited number of days, subject to the issuance of the required permits and compliance with existing regulations.
Municipal Administrator Atty. Johanna Cass-Licup, in a reply dated June 26, acknowledged the request and said the documents would first have to be gathered and verified because they are under the custody of different municipal offices.
Torrevillas later sent another letter on July 2 to Mayor Bernardino “Bernie” Tacoy, through the municipal administrator, reiterating his request for the records.
The issue also gained attention after Leyte Fourth District Rep. Richard Gomez referenced the questioned cockfighting activity in a social media post and tagged the Office of the Ombudsman.
Tacoy has maintained that the fiesta cockfight was legally conducted as part of the municipality’s cultural presentation, saying the organizers complied with documentary requirements and coordinated with the proper authorities.
He also reiterated that the town continues to enforce its campaign against illegal gambling.
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