The council adopted a committee report that favors the application of the Shilan Multipurpose Sports Complex to hold cockfighting activities.
A local court declared illegal all legislative measures passed by the Municipal Council that are in favor of the operations of Shilan as venue for cockfights, saying its rival entity, the Lamtang Cockpit Arena, has more rights over Shilan, being in operation for the past 30 years.
The court said Lamtang has prior rights over Shilan in holding cockfights, as it is the entity licensed by the Gamefowl Commission.
The Municipal Council, however, maintained that the authority to grant franchise to cockpit arenas was already devolved to the local government units, after the passage of the Local Government Code in 1991.
The permit granted by the council to Shilan will be valid for 20 years or until year 2027.
The Municipal Government would also appeal the court decision nullifying the measures passed by the locality regarding Shilan's operations. (JC)
