Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 318)
Cockfighting is allowed only in licensed cockpits and only on legal holidays other than Rizal Day, and for a period not exceeding three days during the celebration of the town fiesta as fixed by the Municipal Council.
No cockpit shall be constructed or permitted to operate within a radius of one thousand lineal meters from any city hall, municipal building, provincial building, public plaza, public school, church, hospital, athletic stadium, public park, or any institution of learning or charity.
Before operating, the owner or concessionaire must apply for a permit from the city or provincial treasurer, and obtain certificates from the City or District Engineer certifying the building's suitability and from the City or District Health Officer certifying sanitary conditions. Additionally, the proper fees or taxes must be paid.
Cockpit operators must pay a municipal license tax of not less than two hundred pesos annually or fifty pesos quarterly, and twenty-five centavos for every cockfight held. Higher fees may be imposed by local ordinances with the President's approval.
Any person believing a cockpit is unlawfully located may file a protest with the Secretary of the Interior, who is authorized to investigate and decide the case or order cancellation of the permit and license.
No, card games or any games of chance are not permitted within the premises of a cockpit.
Persons under the age of eighteen and those under the influence of liquor are not allowed within the premises of a cockpit.
Except for the referee, the asoltadoresa, and up to four employees, no other person shall be allowed within the ring during a cockfight. Peace officers may enter or stay if necessary to maintain peace and order.
No intoxicating liquor shall be sold within the cockpit premises or within one hundred lineal meters from the cockpit enclosure.
Firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited within the cockpit premises except when carried by peace officers in the performance of official duties.
The owner or concessionaire must ensure that the rules and regulations are observed and that peace and order are maintained at all times within the cockpit premises.
Any action by the Treasurer may be appealed to the Secretary of the Interior, whose decision shall be final.
Violation of the rules may lead to the revocation of the permit and forfeiture of the license by the Secretary of the Interior.
Existing cockpits within prohibited zones are given one year to close, transfer, or comply, but the Secretary of the Interior with Presidential approval may authorize continuance in special cases for justifiable reasons.