Lawmaker Addresses Cockfighting Video Controversy
MANILA, Philippines — AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones recently clarified the viral incident where he was seen watching a cockfight video during the opening of the 20th Congress. The lawmaker explained that the video he viewed was not related to online betting, but rather a clip sent by his nephew inviting him to a traditional cockfighting event.
Briones firmly denied claims linking him to e-sabong platforms, which are banned, emphasizing that he only opened a message sent to him without any intention of placing bets. He stressed, “I don’t do e-sabong. To be honest, somebody messaged me through messenger, so I just looked at it, I did not know that it was the content of the message, I didn’t expect that somebody would take a look at my private messages. So I was shocked, because I know people shouldn’t snoop, but that’s okay, my conscience is clean, I don’t participate in cockfights.”
Rejecting Online Sabong Participation
The representative added that he is not a cockfighting enthusiast and has never been inside any cockfighting arena. He also noted his unfamiliarity with online transactions and payment systems, saying, “You won’t see me near any cockfighting arena. And me participating in online sabong is fake news, I don’t even have a GCash, I can’t do money transfer online. I don’t know how to do that because I’m old-school, I only know how to text, message, and do calls.”
Briones explained his motivation to publicly address the issue was to prevent the House of Representatives from being unfairly implicated in the controversy. He also suggested that the smear campaign might be linked to individuals he has criticized in the past.
Context of the Viral Incident
The photo showing a lawmaker watching a cockfight on his smartphone circulated widely on social media. The image sparked criticism as it was taken during the House’s voting for leadership while the 20th Congress was convening. Initially, the lawmaker’s identity was unknown since the photo did not clearly show his face.
Briones said he was invited to join a derby but reiterated his lack of interest. He presented the video clip, describing it as a “practice fight” with no bets involved, sent by someone inviting him. “This is the video, if you can see, that’s not online sabong, it’s a practice fight sent by someone who invited me, there are no bets, no people. I looked at it because I was invited,” he added.
He further explained that traditional cockfighting groups often invite leaders to derbies where funds may be raised, but he has never participated. “Many groups stage a derby. They say I can buy gamefowl for fights. Some solicit for funds, do fund-raising, there are such things for traditional cockfighting, some leaders invite us. But I’ve never done cockfighting, you’ll never see me enter a cockfighting arena,” he said.
Political Stand and Advocacy
Briones belongs to the minority bloc and abstained from voting for the newly elected Speaker, Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. During the 19th Congress, he was active in hearings about the importation of farm products, warning that excessive import reliance could harm local farmers.
For more news and updates on cockfighting video controversy, visit Filipinokami.com.
