Ano ba talagang bawal? Atong Ang’s Pitmaster seeks clarity on e-sabong ops after Duterte’s halt order

Gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang has asked the government to clarify the framework on online cockfighting operations after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered its shutdown Tuesday (May 3).
Ang made the call as he assured the government that Pitmaster Live will “fully cooperate with government.”
“Our commitment to lawful, fair, and proper conduct of gaming in the country is evident in our full compliance with PAGCOR regulations, our pursuit of a legislative franchise, as well as our efforts to discourage illegal e-sabong operations. This commitment will not waver in the face of this recent development,” said Ang’s Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., the company behind Pitmaster.
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The firm insisted its operations are above board, and that the crackdown should only focus on illegal and unregistered e-sabong operators.
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“We also assure the President that the company’s next steps, based on local tradition and sensitivity of the community, will be according to the law and due process,” it added.
“As a significant contributor to the country’s finances and as a source of jobs for millions of Filipinos, we deem it mutually beneficial for the government and our stakeholders if there is clarity, fairness, and lawfulness in the framework for e-sabong,” Lucky 8 Star Quest said.
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“Thus, despite this recent and unfortunate development, the company will continue to be a partner of the government in the fight against illegal gaming operations,” it said.
Pitmaster said it has been giving back to the community through its corporate social responsibility arm, Pitmaster Foundation, benefiting over 1.8 million Filipinos through various charity and outreach programs.