Council defers approval of cockpit arena franchise

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has deferred the approval of a proposed ordinance granting a franchise for a cockpit arena in Barangay Tejero, following concerns over its proximity to a school.

The proposed ordinance, titled "An Ordinance Granting a Franchise to Grand Tejero Arena Operated by Grand Sportsmen’s Game Club Inc. to Operate a Cockpit Arena in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, and for Other Purposes," authored by Councilor Joel Garganera, was scheduled for second reading yesterday.

However, during deliberations, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera pointed out that cockpit arenas must be located at least 500 meters away from a school property, as mandated by existing city regulations.

According to Pesquera, the measurement should be taken from “property to property.”

“Maybe that’s the reason why they did not pass before, because of that,” she said.

Following this observation, the council agreed to lay the measure on the table for the meantime.

The proposed ordinance highlights that cockpit arena operations, when properly regulated, serve as a legitimate form of entertainment and livelihood that contribute to the local economy and generate revenue for the Cebu City Government.

It also stipulates that such operations must comply with Cebu City Ordinance No. 1447, which regulates the establishment and operation of cockpits in the city. Section 3 of this ordinance specifies that only four cockpit arenas are permitted in Cebu City—two in the North District and two in the South District.

Grand Sportsmen's Game Club Inc., owner and operator of Grand Tejero Arena, has applied for a franchise to legally operate a cockpit arena in Barangay Tejero. Currently, the only authorized cockpit arena in the North District is located in Barangay Agsungot.

“There is a need to recognize the Grand Tejero Arena and allow it to operate and maintain it as the second cockfighting arena in the North District of the City of Cebu, more particularly in Barangay Tejero,” an excerpt of the ordinance states.

The proposed franchise would grant the operator the “right, privilege, and authority” to operate the cockpit arena for a period of 25 years from the date of the ordinance’s approval. — /FP (FREEMAN)