ALMOST everyone was surprised by the raid conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-7) on a cockpit in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City for holding cockfights on a Monday. But those bothered by the almost daily cockfighting in this facility have every reason to be happy.
The law, Presidential Decree 449 allows cockfights only on Sundays and special holidays. This law also allows cockpits to operate during fiestas, but not for more than three days. The almost daily cockfights here do not only violate the law, but also have their bad effect on the moral fiber of the community.
While cockfighting is one of the legal kinds of gambling and the oldest form of entertainment in the country, it should be operated in accordance with PD 449. Otherwise, it is illegal. This is why “tigbakay” (cockfighting done outside of the registered cockpits) is outlawed by PD 449.
This cockpit is owned by one of the prominent clans in Mandaue City. This cockpit has been operating there ever since I came to live in Mandaue City years ago. I was told that the operation in this cockpit was even more frequent during the previous city administration.
I refused to believe the buzz that the raid on this cockpit was politically motivated. We have to remember that running after all forms of illegal gambling is one of the special tasks of the CIDG. As to who authorized this cockpit to operate on a Monday is what we want to know.
The raid on this cockpit is a warning to the other cockpits that operate every day as if each day is pay day. Illegal gambling is also one of the sources of crimes, like theft and robbery. Less gambling or no illegal gambling at all would mean less crime against property. So, keep it up, CIDG 7!
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The policy statement of President Rodrigo Duterte to clean up the roads and sidewalks of illegal obstructions and structures during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) is a headache to lazy executives. You know, tradpols from the barangay level and up allowed businesses on the streets and sidewalks for them to perpetuate in their position.
It took a former city mayor, now our President, to notice that our streets have been illegally utilized for commercial purpose. Duterte, being a lawyer, is aware of the law (Art. 424 of the New Civil Code) and a landmark Supreme Court’s decision that rules that property for public use, like, roads, streets, promenades and squares are outside the commerce of man.
Secretary Eduardo M. Año of the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued a memo to mayors in compliance with the policy of the President to reclaim the roads and sidewalks from illegal vendors and structures. The right to life is second to none among the constitutionally protected rights. But vending on the roads or sidewalks being illegal, the vendors cannot hide from this principle of law.
Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella started clearing the Carbon market of illegal structures and road obstructions. Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan are yet to start what Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno and Mayor Labella have started. Let’s see in the days to come. Good luck, mayors!