– While Congress chose its next leader, he chose his bet in an online rooster brawl
A Philippine lawmaker has sparked fury online after being caught red-handed watching an e-sabong match on his phone during one of the most important political events of the year — the opening of the 20th Congress.
The yet-to-be-identified legislator was spotted glued to a digital cockfight while his colleagues were casting their votes for the next House Speaker on Monday, July 28.
A viral photo posted by The Philippine STAR shows the man’s phone screen displaying a cockfight, with the text “1st Fight Left Side” and “2nd Fight Right Side” clearly visible. His back was turned to the camera, eyeglasses resting on his forehead, as he tapped away on his phone in the middle of the plenary hall.
‘Choosing a featherweight champ instead of a House Speaker’
The internet had a field day. The post has since racked up 64,000 reactions, 7,200 shares, and 4,500 comments — the majority ranging from amused to furious.
“While the nation was choosing a House Speaker, this guy was busy choosing a featherweight champion,” quipped one viral comment.
Others were less forgiving.
“This is where our taxes go. What a joke,” wrote another user.
“Bawal ang cellphone sa trabaho. Isabatas din!” said a third, calling for a cellphone ban during paid government sessions.
Even STAR columnist Pia Roces Morato chimed in, reposting the image with the sharp caption: “Que horrores.”
Cockfighting scandal deepens
The controversy comes at a tense time for the embattled e-sabong industry, which is under renewed scrutiny following the high-profile disappearance of over 100 cockfighting enthusiasts, known locally as sabungeros.
Authorities have been scouring Taal Lake in search of remains, after whistleblower Julie Patidongan claimed it was used as a mass dumping site. Investigators recently retrieved sacks of bones and sand, though conclusive results remain pending.
Identity still unknown — but public demands answers
The identity of the e-sabong-watching lawmaker remains a mystery — for now. But with social media detectives on the case, many are demanding the culprit be named and held accountable.
It remains unclear whether the lawmaker placed a bet or was merely watching for “entertainment.”
The shocking incident took place just hours before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address, where he vowed to bring justice to the families of the missing sabungeros and crack down on illegal gambling operations.
Meanwhile, Martin Romualdez was re-elected Speaker of the House with a commanding 269 votes — but for many netizens, the day will be remembered not for its political outcome, but for “CockfightGate.”
