The municipality of Sablan, Benguet has interposed no objection to the granting of a franchise for the operation of a cockpit arena in the town.
In an ordinance, the municipal council has unanimously approved the granting of franchise to Christopher Sito for the establishment of a cockfighting arena at Sitio Palali, Poblacion.
The ordinance stated the franchise, unless sooner revoked or cancelled, shall be valid for 10 years starting March 28, 2022 to March 28, 2032. Sito has the option to renew for another 10 years, but it should be done two years prior to the expiration of the franchise and subject to the approval of the municipal council.
Also, the operator should pay a non-refundable amount of P120,000 as franchise fee to the municipal treasurer.
Sito should also apply and secure a business permit to operate from the office of the municipal mayor.
The ordinance stated the cockfighting days should be during Sundays and duly proclaimed legal holidays except Holy Thursday, Good Friday, election, or referendum day. Also, cockfighting is not allowed on Dec. 30 or Rizal Day; June 12, Independence Day; and on Nov. 30, National Heroes’ Day.
It added cockfights during the celebration of barangay or town fiesta, agricultural, commercial, industrial fair, and carnival exposition shall be held for a period not exceeding three days upon the authorization of the municipal council.
“Derby, pintakasi or concierto granted by the municipal council during these occasions shall be subject to the payment of the fees prescribed in existing laws and ordinance of this municipality,” it added.
The town council stated the franchise is strictly non-transferable. In cases of non-compliance of the conditions set by the municipality, the operator’s franchise and the business permit to operate shall be automatically revoked or cancelled.
The Benguet provincial board has given a favorable review of the ordinance in its May 2 meeting.
Meanwhile, the municipal council has set a public hearing on May 30 for the proposed ordinance on prescribing policies on the establishment, operation and maintenance of a cockpit arena, and the conduct of cockfights in the municipality.
The hearing will start at 9 a.m. at the municipal gym. – Ofelia C. Empian
