E-Sabong: Under new mismanagement

E-Sabong has quietly resurfaced and is now operating nationwide with an estimated 200 betting sites “under new mismanagement.” Yes, online sabong is back, but without Mr. Charlie “Atong” Ang or his “investors” or founding members.

Whoever is operating the current online sabong is unknown, airing pre-recorded chicken fights where the same set of individuals fight chickens one after another, which means the fights are not for competition or sport like the Atong Ang version, but simply to have two roosters fighting so people can bet online. Veteran cockfighters also suspect that the ongoing online fights are rigged and aired later so the operators have an “in-house” advantage.

A lawyer sabungero a.k.a “Aguila” whom I recently met suggested that we call the attention of the BIR, Malacañang and the Chief PNP to the fact that this new online sabong is totally unregulated, does not pay taxes to local and national governments and is suspected of giving or sharing profits with PNP officials because despite complaints and reports about such illegal online cockfights, PNP officials almost always say it’s impossible to find the e-Sabong operators.

The interesting thing is, certain beneficiaries from the WPC online sabong are now gathering the troops, “repackaging” a better and socially responsible e-Sabong to present to House Speaker Martin Romualdez and hopefully President Bongbong Marcos so that the original operators of e-Sabong can operate “a new and improved version” of online cockfighting, generate revenues that will add to the government’s coffers and help revive the gamefowl industry. Let’s just hope that the national government gets as good a share as LGUs get from local cockpits (percent of bets) compared to the pittance that the PAGCOR collected from e-Sabong in the past.

Sabungeros agree that in order to gain support, Atong Ang and associates need to guarantee that minors will not be able to bet, along with minimum wage earners or laborers. In order to do this, the minimum bet should be raised to P5,000 along with strict rules for engagement. Others insisted that all local cockpits be kept open and be allowed alongside e-Sabong, and for the WPC group to promote breeder’s derbies, provincial derbies and barangay level competitions to promote the sport and industry, not just betting or outright gambling.

Chances are the proposal to Congress and the President will only gain traction if it promotes cockfighting, sportsmanship and business for all. Otherwise, the online pirates and corrupt police and local officials will be raking in the money while cheating their very own bettors and customers.

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Despite his stable but guarded condition, I’m happy to report that our caretaker and childhood buddy “Narding” finally underwent a very complicated surgery that could only be performed in three hospitals in the entire Philippines, one of which is the Rizal Medical Center or RMC. The procedure has such a long name that every time I try to pronounce it, I get tongue tied.

It is called a “Pancreaticoduodenectomy a.k.a “the Whipple procedure” that involves removal of the pancreatic head, duodenum, biliary duct, gall bladder and antrum or part of the intestine. Best if you just ask Dr. Google to explain but I am so thankful nonetheless that we have overcome one hurdle. Given the complexity and gravity of the situation, I am grateful and now realize that God works in mysterious ways.

It was early in 2000 that I first entered the Rizal Medical Center and back then it was the prime example of government neglect and under-funding. All I could do was pray for better days until one of my good friends, Dr. Mike Sarte, informed me that he had joined the hospital as his way of giving back. That conversation progressed into “hospital status updates” and introductions to his colleagues, as well as the new medical director of RMC back then: Dr. Lito Saquilayan.

During his term, Dr. Saquilayan transformed the hospital physically as well as the mental attitude of the people within. Little by little, from door to door, Dr. Saquilayan was so focused and determined to uplift hospital equipment, training facilities, etc. – whatever was needed he and his team worked towards the goal and many dreams became reality.

More importantly, they jointly developed a culture and a center of excellence that managed to carry on the shared vision even after Dr. Saquilayan traded his scrubs for golfing attire upon retirement. As they say, success is when you train the next generation and pass on the vision and the skills while giving them room to spread their wings.

I witnessed this firsthand, when I met and was subsequently invited to be part of the multi-sector governance council of RMC by the new medical director Dr. Rica Lumague. As time passed, I was continually impressed by the many projects, programs and accomplishments of the hospital that has made it into a modern, well-equipped hospital. But what makes it top of the class is the team of experts in hospital management and as well as medicine.

Which brings me to a realization for future consideration – perhaps it is time for Congress, Senate and Malacañang to establish a professional system for vetting candidates to key positions in government based on the actual demands of the job as well as the track record of a candidate for a senior or Cabinet position. Looking at the many officials past and present who have been or are being recommended for a position, most of them have partial experience or no more than a degree or a title and were merely politically connected.

Positions that affect social services, health care, agriculture, tourism, etc. should be given to real experts with real working experience and executive acumen. Accomplishments and mentality are far more important than titles and connections. That is how we will professionalize public service, by taking out the politics!

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