Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC)
The PHILRACOM is tasked to promote and direct the accelerated development and continuous growth of horse racing in the Philippines, not only to advance sports but also to ensure horse racing is fully exploited as a source of revenue and employment.
PHILRACOM is composed of a Chairman and four members, each having a term of four years. Members whose terms have expired remain in office until their successors are appointed and qualified.
PHILRACOM has exclusive jurisdiction over every aspect of the conduct of horse racing, including framing and scheduling races, construction and safety of racetracks, allocation of prizes, and security of racing.
1. To enforce laws and regulations related to horse racing. 2. To issue permits and licenses and impose fees. 3. To suspend or cancel racing events for violations or unfitness of race conditions.
The Executive Officers include the Executive Director, who supervises all horse racing conduct aspects, and the Assistant Executive Director, who assists the Executive Director and assumes their role if incapacitated.
The Board of Stewards supervises and controls the conduct of races on racing days, investigates race incidents, imposes penalties on rule violators, and ensures race integrity.
A Steward must be of legal age, of good moral character, have at least two years of college education, be physically and mentally fit, and hold a PHILRACOM license after passing their examination.
A Steward who fails to comply can be fined up to P1,000, suspended, or have their license revoked, especially in cases of gross incompetence, bias, or negligence.
Racehorse ownership is restricted to persons qualifying with financial capacity, good moral character, age requirements, and other criteria. Certain groups like Racing Clubs and officials connected to racing are prohibited from owning racehorses.
They may face a fine of not less than P1,000 and/or suspension of up to two years or revocation of license, plus possible criminal prosecution under Philippine laws.
Owners must pay trainers a minimum of 9% and jockeys 12% of prize money won; unplaced horses require a minimum riding fee of P100 to their jockeys.
Horses and owners must be registered with PHILRACOM and the National Stud Farm, and horses must be measured using approved devices under strict rules to determine eligibility for races.
Disqualification occurs if the horse or its jockey interferes with others by crossing paths, jostling, holding, or preventing another horse's chance of success, with decisions made by the Board of Stewards.
Stewards, Clerks of Scales, Official Clockers, Starting Gate Helpers, and certain other persons holding official duties related to races are prohibited from betting; jockeys may only bet on the horse they are riding.
Offenders may have their licenses revoked and be banned from owning, training, or riding horses and from race premises, along with fines and penalties under Presidential Decree No. 420 and other laws.
Jockeys must report excess weight and conform to assigned weights. Penalties range from suspensions of two racing days up to revocation of license depending on the violation's severity and frequency.
The Board of Stewards investigates and decides infractions with due process; their decisions may be appealed to PHILRACOM, which can affirm, modify, or reverse rulings.
Withdrawals before the first race incur a suspension of at least one month or a P3,000 fine; withdrawals less than four races before the scheduled race carry a definite suspension of two months or a P6,000 fine, except for certified medical grounds.
An aggrieved party may file a petition to PHILRACOM within 72 working hours after receipt of the decision, stating issues and grounds under oath, with payment of a P200 appeal fee.