Cockpit heat

A rumored cockpit arena that will replace a slaughterhouse in Tondo, Manila with the alleged blessing of city hall has ruffled Mayor Joseph Estrada’s feathers.

Estrada denied the rumor and suspects his former vice mayor, Isko Moreno, was the source of the “political intrigue.”

The mayor said there is no project for the area yet and, if ever, he would like a sports arena to be built in the site of the abattoir.

The owner of the Vitas property, Dealco Farms Inc. of the Alcoreza family, reportedly plans to put up the cockpit arena together with other investors.

If that happens though, the cockpit arena’s spectacle of pitting cocks against cocks may be overshadowed by a mayoralty fight between Estrada and Moreno in next year’s local elections.

Joining the fray is former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim.