The return of cockfighting in Davao City comes with a hefty price.
The city government announced on Tuesday that it will be imposing higher taxes and fees against cockpit arena owners under the new ordinance which takes effect late this month.
Councilor Bernie-Al-ag, chair of the committee of Trade and Commerce of the City Council, said the council approved the ordinance in December last year allowing the resumption of “sabong” with higher taxes and fees imposed.
Al-ag said this is the condition requested from the City Council for the resumption of the popular Filipino pastime. The new ordinance, which is expected to take effect this month after publication, was signed by Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on December 23, 2022.
“Kaning pag approve sa konseho gi apprubahan nato ang pag increase sa tax ug fees. Kung naa man nagsabong karon sa mga gallera gi-allowed na sila but using old taxes,” he said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
Al-ag clarified that this can only be applicable in licensed venues. In Davao City there are eight galleras and cockpit arenas including those in Matina, Toril, and Buhangin.
Al-ag added the operators still need to secure permits to operate.
“Gusto nako i-clarify na kaning pag approve sa konseho, giaprubahan nato ang pag increase sa tax ug fees sa sabong,” he said.
Al-ag said that his vote for the said ordinance lies on two conditions: operators will pay the right taxes and the traffic should not be congested whenever there is a derby, in case shortage of parking spaces, operators should provide space for parking.
“Ang akoang pagboto ani nga ordinansa naa koy duha ka conditions maong misuporta ko ani: dapat dili magsuffer ang Dabawenyos sa traffic because of these events. Kung kulang ang inyong parking space pangita mo ug lote nga maarkilahan ninyo para makaparking ang mga sabungero; ug ikaaduha nga dili manikas sa pag remit sa taxes ang atong mga sabungero. Kay naay mga insidente before nga daghan ug tikas sa pagremit sa atoang taxes. Ang atoang amusement tax, naa tay 10 percent amusement tax kapag regular na sabong, s abag-ong ordinansa gihimo natong 30 percent ang tax kapag derby. dili musulod unya dili mu declare, ang uban ang presyo nga isulti sa city P100 pero ang ticket diay tag P500,” he said.
He said that the council emphasized that operators should remit the right taxes based on the new ordinance to be used for the various projects in Davao City.
He added that the council has also approved through electronic monitoring of the tickets and wins. He said it was discussed that the City Economic Enterprise (CEE) will set up a system in collecting taxes and fees.
“Gi allow nato ang City Economic Enterprise na dapat ang computer na ilang gamiton sa sabong ang CEE mag set up ug sistema didto para pag kolekta sa daug, taxes ug fees dili gyud makalusot,” he said.
Al-ag said once there is a problem and sabong activities created negative effects on the city, the permit can be revoked by the city council at any time.
“Dapat nag operate ang sabong for the benefit of Davao City,” he said.
