Online Sabong Myth: Congressman’s Video Explained

Online Sabong or Traditional Sparring? Unpacking the Viral Congressman Photo

In the fast-paced world of Philippine politics and culture, few things stir up as much controversy as sabong – the age-old tradition of cockfighting. Recently, a photo from The Philippine Star went viral, showing a congressman seemingly engrossed in what many assumed was online sabong on his smartphone right in the middle of a plenary session. This happened just hours before President Bongbong Marcos delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025. The caption read: “E-SABONG SA PLENARYO?” sparking immediate debates about the persistence of e-sabong despite calls from senators and congressmen to ban online gambling entirely.

But hold on – is this really a case of online sabong sneaking into the halls of power? At OnlineSabong.com.ph, we’re dedicated to exploring all facets of sabong, from traditional roots to the digital evolution. After closely examining the three photos circulating online, it’s clear this might be a classic case of mistaken identity. Let’s break it down step by step, focusing on why this video doesn’t scream “online sabong” and could instead be a simple glimpse into traditional sabong preparation.

The Viral Moment: What the News Showed

The images capture a congressman holding his phone during what appears to be a voting session for the next House Speaker. On the screen, there’s a video of two cocks in an arena, with labels like “1st Fight Left Side” and “2nd Fight Right Side.” At first glance, it’s easy to jump to conclusions – especially with ongoing discussions about banning online sabong platforms due to gambling concerns. Several lawmakers have pushed for a complete halt to e-sabong, arguing it fuels addiction and illegal activities. Interestingly, President Marcos didn’t touch on this in his SONA, leaving room for speculation.

However, a deeper look at the photos tells a different story. Online sabong typically features sleek interfaces with betting options, live odds, chat features, and clear platform branding. Think timers, wager buttons, and user accounts – elements designed for real-time gambling. What’s shown here? None of that.

Analyzing the Photos: Not Your Typical Online Sabong Setup

Let’s zoom in on the three photos provided:

1. The Overview Shot: This image shows the congressman from behind, phone in hand, with the screen displaying two cocks in a dirt arena. One bird is mid-attack, and the labels “1st Fight Left Side” and “2nd Fight Right Side” are overlaid in bright green and blue text. There’s no betting interface, no odds display, and no live stream indicators common in online sabong apps. Instead, it looks like a raw, unpolished video – perhaps recorded on a personal device.
2. The Interaction Close-Up: Here, the congressman is tapping the screen, possibly pausing or playing the video. The phone’s interface is minimalistic, resembling a standard video player rather than a dedicated e-sabong platform. No pop-ups for bets, no virtual wallet balances – just a straightforward playback. This suggests it’s a personal video file, not a streamed event from an online sabong site.
3. The Screen Detail: The clearest view of the action shows the cocks sparring in what appears to be a controlled environment, like a gamefarm or training pit. There’s a handler or observer in the background, and the setup lacks the high-production value of professional online sabong broadcasts. The labels indicate separate “fights” or rounds, which aligns more with sparring sessions used to train birds for traditional sabong derbies.

From these visuals, it’s evident this isn’t online sabong. E-sabong platforms are built for interactivity and gambling, with features like real-time betting and multiplayer engagement. What we see here is likely a breeder or gamefarm owner reviewing sparring footage. The congressman could be a sabong enthusiast checking on his own cocks – maybe footage sent by a handler to assess readiness for an upcoming traditional event. In the Philippines, where sabong is deeply cultural, many prominent figures own gamefarms and use such videos for preparation, not gambling.

Why the Confusion? The Ongoing Online Sabong Debate

This mix-up highlights the broader tension between traditional sabong and its online counterpart. Online sabong exploded in popularity during the pandemic, offering convenience but also drawing scrutiny for unregulated betting. Lawmakers have repeatedly called for bans, citing social issues, yet traditional sabong remains a beloved pastime, often tied to breeding and community events.

If this were truly e-sabong, we’d expect to see platform-specific elements like login screens or bet confirmations. Instead, the video’s simplicity points to offline training – sparring to build stamina and strategy for legal, in-person cockfights. It’s a reminder that not every cockfighting video is online sabong; sometimes, it’s just a passionate owner staying connected to their hobby.

Our Take at OnlineSabong.com.ph

At OnlineSabong.com.ph, we advocate for responsible sabong practices, whether online or traditional. This incident shouldn’t fuel unnecessary panic about e-sabong infiltrating politics. Instead, it underscores the need for clear distinctions: online sabong involves digital betting, while traditional methods focus on breeding and preparation. If the congressman is indeed a breeder, this could be nothing more than a quick check on his gamefarm assets during a busy session.

What do you think? Is the media too quick to label everything as online sabong? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to OnlineSabong.com.ph for more insights into the world of sabong – from tips on breeding to updates on regulations.

Note: All opinions are based on visual analysis of the provided photos and public news reports. For the latest on sabong laws, consult official sources.