Briones on e-sabong viral video: That was me

Agap Rep. Nicanor Briones admitted Wednesday that he was the viral lawmaker caught on video watching an online sabong (e-cockfighting) match in the middle of the House of Representatives’ session last Monday during the formal opening of the 20th Congress.

Briones apologized for the incident but vehemently denied that he actively participates or engages in e-sabong or any other form of gambling activity. He denied any wrongdoing, claiming it was not intentional and that he had merely received the link containing the “sabong” clip, which he opened through his messaging app.

"I felt ashamed for my colleagues in Congress, for the Speaker, and for the image this has brought to the entire House. I apologize to anyone who was offended,” Briones told reporters.

The lawmaker said that those who made his video go viral were spreading “fake news” by making it appear like he was involved in e-sabong, which is long prohibited and banned by the government.

“Whoever took that video and made fake news that I was watching online cockfighting, I don't know your motives, but it's over, I forgive you. Just don't do it again because you might end up in jail next time,” he added.

In an effort to prove that his conscience is clear, Briones said he would file a bill seeking a total ban on e-sabong and all forms of gambling in the country.

Aside from Briones, members of the media also caught on video a still unidentified congressman watching a similar match during the casting of votes for the next House speaker on the same day.

The viral videos came on the heels of heightening efforts by no less than their colleagues in Congress, who are pushing to impose more stringent regulations for e-sabong operations, if not totally ban it outright.

During the previous Congress, the House of Representatives passed a bill totally banning e-sabong and other related illegal gambling activities in the country but failed to become a law because its counterpart in the Senate languished at the committee level.

At the present 20th Congress, renewed efforts to ban online sabong and other forms of gambling have continued to gain momentum.

Some legislators have only called for strict regulation to curb its advertisements in public places and on e-wallets, as well as its accessibility, especially among the youth. Others, however, believe that stringent measures will be ineffective with either legal or illegal gambling, thereby proposing a total ban.

E-sabong was originally regulated by PAGCOR until it was suspended in May 2022 by then-president Rodrigo Duterte, following a recommendation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, citing ill effects and serious societal harms.

A survey by the department then revealed that 62 percent of over 8,000 respondents supported halting e-sabong due to concerns of “addiction to gambling, bankruptcy of players, indebtedness, cost to family, neglect of work and studies, and crime.”

To date, e-sabong operations remain non-operational until the President hands down a new executive order.