Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernardino “Bernie” Tacoy has dismissed as politically motivated an alleged complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman over a cockfighting event held during the town’s recent fiesta.
In a statement, Tacoy said his office had been informed of the complaint but had yet to receive an official copy.
He maintained that the cockfighting event was conducted in compliance with applicable laws and that all necessary permits and clearances had been secured.
He described the complaint as “purely harassment and politically motivated,” alleging that it was initiated by individuals defeated in the last two elections and supported by a politician who is intolerant of dissent.
Tacoy did not identify the alleged complainants or the politician in his statement.
The controversy centers on cockfights held from June 11 to 14 in Barangay Bonoy as part of Matag-ob’s annual fiesta celebration.
Former Mayor Michael Torrevillas earlier sought official documents concerning the event, including the municipal resolution authorizing the cockfights, the organizers’ request, endorsements from the mayor’s office, session minutes and permits or clearances from the police and other agencies.
Torrevillas did not publicly state the reason for requesting the documents.
Municipal Administrator Atty. Johanna Cass-Licup said the requested records had to be collated and verified because they were in the custody of different municipal offices, according to reports.
The legal question largely hinges on whether the fiesta cockfighting activity complied with Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.
The law permits cockfighting in licensed cockpits on Sundays, legal holidays and during fiestas, subject to prescribed conditions, including limits on the number of days and regulatory requirements.
Tacoy, for his part, said the organizers complied with the documentary requirements and coordinated with the appropriate authorities.
He also reiterated that his administration remains committed to enforcing its campaign against illegal gambling.
The dispute adds another layer to the political tensions surrounding the Matag-ob mayor. Tacoy defeated Torrevillas in the 2022 mayoral race, ending the latter’s family’s three-decade hold on the municipality.
Tacoy said the alleged complaint was an attempt to distract or prevent his administration from performing its duties.
“We remain undeterred by these baseless allegations,” he said, vowing to continue serving Matag-ob in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
For now, however, the substance of the alleged Ombudsman complaint remains unclear because Tacoy said the local government has yet to receive an official copy.
The pending questions whether the fiesta cockfight had all required authorizations and whether any laws or regulations were violated will ultimately depend on the documents and evidence submitted to the proper authorities.
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