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[av_heading heading=’‘Lapuz cockpit illegal’’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Thursday, March 16, 2017
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ILOILO City – A cockpit arena is operating in Barangay Don Esteban, Lapuz district without a franchise and business permit.
Rockwell Corp. allegedly operates the cockpit while its application for franchise remains pending with the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
“In accordance with the law, operating any form business in this city without (business) permit is illegal,” said City Administrator Hernando Galvez.
The Iloilo City Task Force on Internet Shops, Gaming Centers and Anti-Piracy monitored the cockpit and reported to the Business Planning and Licensing Office (BPLO), Galvez said.
Operating without a franchise violates the Cockfighting Law of 1974, as amended by Republic Act 7160, said Galvez, a lawyer by profession.
“No cockfighting may be conducted unless may authority ka,” he said.
Appropriate action will be applied in coordination with concerned offices, especially the BPLO, said Galvez.
Due process will be observed; the concerned company will be given the chance to explain, he said, “Thereafter, we’ll recommend proper sanction.”
Law enforcers have the power to stop the cockpit’s operation, the city administrator stressed.
Police may act on the criminal aspect of the violation while the local government unit acts on the regulatory side, he said.
Mandrie Malabor, chairperson of the city council’s committee on games and amusement, said they will hold a committee hearing on Rockwell Corp.’s application for cockpit franchise next week yet.
“Sa subong ginakuha anay naton tanan nga information, views, and legal opinion and jurisprudence, if there are any nga ma-present naton sa plenary,” said Malabor./PN
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