ILOILO City – Councilor Carlos “Jojo” Javellana defended his committee on games and amusements’ recent recommendation that the Sangguniang Panlungsod issue a resolution of no objection (RONO) to online cockfighting operator Encuentro Live Corp.
“I’m not protecting gambling,” said Javellana yesterday before recommending another RONO to yet another online cockfighting operator, Belvedere Vista Corp.
Before it issues a Notice to Commence Operations to online cockfighting operators, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) requires them to first secure a RONO from the local government of the area where they intend to operate.
For Javellana, his committee’s recommendation for the issuance of a RONO was just ministerial.
“It is my duty as chairman of the committee…to recommend. It is legal. So please understand me,” he stressed.
Javellana was primarily reacting to criticisms from the media.
“They are condemning me for endorsing this gambling. Waay ko ‘ya gani gakadto sa bulangan. They are attacking me. I have a family. I am asking my friends in the media, please respect my decision,” said Javellana.
Encuentro Live Corp. and Belvedere Vista Corp. plan to hold cock derbies and do live streaming and broadcasting of these in authorized cockpits here.
The city council adopted Javellana’s committee report recommending the issuance of RONO to Belvedere Vista Corp. and subsequently passed a resolution granting it to the corporation.
Only councilors Frances Parcon and Rudolph Ganzon objected to grant Belvedere a RONO while Councilor Candice Magdalane Tupas abstained.
The trio had the same stance on Encuentro’s request.
But according to Javellana, he may recommend canceling the RONO given much earlier to Encuentro.
He lambasted Engineeer Alex Bocol of Encuentro for not attending a committee hearing on the proposed ordinance requiring operators and online franchise holders to secure special permits in covering online cockfighting events.
“Ano tulok niya sa council? Wala sila respect,” said Javellana./PN
