The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has started to review policies on local cockfighting as complaints on laws being neglected in staging such events in towns across Bohol have been raised.

According to Board Member Elpidio Jala, some cockfights are being organized on Saturdays and even on weekdays instead of Sundays, the only non-holiday time when the event may be staged.

As stated under Presidential Decree 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, cockfighting events can only be staged on Sundays, holidays, and fiestas and should not go over three days.

The organization of “tigbakay” or illegal cockfights which do not pay taxes have also become rampant, Jala said.

The SP committee on peace and order and public safety chaired by board member Ricky Masamayor of the first district has been tasked to review the issue which was raised by the public through Jala. (with reports from Rey Tutas)