Law Summary
Prohibited Locations for Cockpit Establishment
- No cockpits allowed within 1,000 lineal meters of important public and institutional buildings including city or municipal halls, provincial buildings, public plazas, schools, churches, hospitals, athletic stadiums, parks, and institutions of charity or learning.
- Construction or operation permits will not be issued for lots lacking sufficient parking space.
- Public roads and highways are prohibited for use as cockpit premises.
Permitting Procedure
- Owners or concessionaires must secure a permit from the city treasurer, if authorized, or the provincial treasurer for municipalities.
- Permits require certificates from the City/District Engineer (building suitability) and City/District Health Officer (sanitary condition).
- Payment of appropriate fees or taxes is mandatory before permit issuance.
- Permits are valid for at least one quarter.
Licensing and Fees
- Alongside permits, a license from the local treasurer is required.
- Minimum municipal license tax: 200 pesos annually or 50 pesos quarterly.
- Additional fee of 25 centavos charged for each cockfight held.
- Existing higher fees remain enforceable until changed by the President.
- Local councils may impose higher fees subject to Presidential approval.
Protest and Enforcement
- Any person may file a protest with the Secretary of Interior against unauthorized cockpits.
- The Secretary of Interior may investigate and cancel permits and licenses.
Prohibited Conduct and Restrictions Within Cockpits
- All forms of card games or games of chance are banned on cockpit premises.
- Persons under 18 years of age and intoxicated individuals are not permitted on the premises.
- Only the referee, asoltadores (handlers), and up to four other employees may be inside the fighting ring during matches.
- Peace officers may enter or stay to maintain peace and order.
Prohibitions on Liquor and Weapons
- No sale of intoxicating liquor within the cockpit and within 100 meters of the enclosure.
- Firearms and deadly weapons are prohibited inside the premises except for peace officers executing official duties.
Responsibilities of Owners/Concessionaires
- Owners and concessionaires must enforce compliance with all rules and maintain peace and order within the cockpit.
Appeals Process
- Decisions by city, municipal, or provincial treasurers related to permits and licenses may be appealed to the Secretary of the Interior.
- The Secretary of the Interior's decision is final.
Penalties and Revocation
- Violation of any rules or regulations may lead to revocation of permits and forfeiture of licenses by the Secretary of the Interior.
Grandfather Clause for Existing Cockpits
- Cockpits operational as of January 1, 1941, found within prohibited zones have a one-year grace period to comply by closing or relocating.
- The Secretary of the Interior, with presidential approval, may grant special extensions or continuances for justifiable reasons.