Nicanor Briones Explains Video Where He Was Caught Watching Cockfight

The congressman in the viral photo and video is Nicanor Briones, and here’s his explanation.

AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones admits to watching a cockfight while the House of Representatives was in session.

Previously, a photo and video circulated showing a congressman watching a cockfight on his phone while the House of Representatives was in session last Monday. The congressman, whose back was the only part captured in the photo, was urged to come forward, admit his mistake, and apologize to the public.

House Committee on Public Order and Safety Chairperson Rep. Rolando Valeriano made the call after the photo and video went viral online and sparked outrage from the public. However, it is up to the House Ethics Committee whether it will investigate the matter or not.

Recently, AGAP Party List Representative Nicanor Briones stepped forward and identified himself as the man in the viral photo and video. He explained what was happening at that moment and denied that he was doing e-sabong.

What he was accordingly watching was a “practice fight” video that someone sent him after he was invited to be a sponsor in a traditional derby. He only checked the video and maintained that he had a clear conscience.

“Hindi ako nag-e-sabong. Sa totoo lang, may nag-message sa akin sa messenger. So, tinignan ko lang naman. Hindi ko naman akalain na mayroon palang magkukuha ng aking mga private messages… Pero okay lang ‘yun. Dahil malinis ang konsensya ko. Hindi naman ako nagsasabong… At fake news. Online sabong sinasabi…. Ni-wala akong money transfer na online. Hindi ako marunong, dahil old school tayo,” he said in an interview.

He then showed the message he was referring to. The congressman then apologized; however, he stressed that his only fault was checking a message during a session. He quipped, “Ang kasalanan ko lang ay tiningnan ko ‘yung aking messenger.”