Congressman Earns Criticisms for Watching Online Sabong During House Speaker Vote
A congressman was caught on camera watching online sabong on his cellphone during the voting for the next House Speaker.
The incident happened just hours before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa.
While lawmakers were expected to focus on the session, one was seen glued to his phone, watching an online gambling match during a crucial part of the proceedings. The scene was captured on camera and has since drawn public criticism.
Although President Marcos did not mention online gambling in his speech, the issue remains a hot topic among lawmakers. Many senators and congressmen have been calling for a nationwide ban on e-sabong, citing its harmful impact on families and communities.
Just last June 2025, the House of Representatives passed on third and final reading a bill that seeks to outlaw online cockfighting and similar illegal gambling activities.
If the bill becomes law, all current permits and licenses issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to e-sabong operators will be considered void. Moving forward, no new permits or licenses for such operations will be granted.
The recent incident emphasizes the urgency of regulating online gambling and ensuring that public officials lead by example.
Online sabong refers to the digital or internet-based version of cockfighting, a traditional sport in the Philippines where two roosters fight in a ring while people place bets on which one will win.
In online sabong, the fights are streamed live over the internet, and people can watch and place bets remotely using their computers or mobile phones. However, it’s been under heavy scrutiny due to its negative effects on society.
In another post, a Pinoy seaman lost over P2 million to online sabong
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
