Law Summary
Authorized Operation Days and Periods
- Cockfighting is only permitted in licensed cockpits on legal holidays except Rizal Day.
- Allowed for a maximum of three days during town fiestas as fixed by the Municipal Council.
Location Restrictions
- No cockpit may be established within 1,000 lineal meters of city halls, municipal buildings, provincial buildings, public plazas, public schools, churches, hospitals, athletic stadiums, public parks, or institutions of learning or charity.
- Cockpits must have proper parking space; public roads/highways cannot be used for parking.
Permit Requirement and Issuance
- Owners or concessionaires must secure a permit from the city treasurer (if authorized by its charter) or provincial treasurer before operation.
- Permit issuance requires:
- Certificate from City/District Engineer certifying building suitability.
- Certificate from City/District Health Officer certifying sanitary condition.
- Payment of fees or taxes as required, for at least a quarter period.
Licensing and Fees
- Cockpit owners must also obtain a license and pay a municipal license tax.
- Minimum tax: 200 pesos annually or 50 pesos quarterly plus 25 centavos per cockfight.
- Higher fees imposed by existing ordinances remain effective unless rescinded by the President.
- Cities or municipalities may impose higher fees with Presidential approval.
Protest Mechanism
- Any person can file a protest with the Secretary of Interior if a cockpit is believed to be non-compliant with location or other requirements.
- The Secretary of Interior has authority to investigate and revoke permits/licenses if warranted.
Prohibitions Within Cockpits
- No card games or games of chance allowed on cockpit premises.
- Persons under 18 years old prohibited inside cockpit premises.
- Persons under the influence of liquor are prohibited from entering or staying.
- No intoxicating liquor sold within the cockpit premises or within 100 meters.
- Firearms and deadly weapons are banned except those carried by peace officers in official duty.
Restrictions During Cockfights
- Only the referee, the asoltadores, and up to four other employees may be inside the ring.
- Peace officers may enter or stay if necessary to maintain peace and order.
Duty of Compliance and Peace Maintenance
- The owner/concessionaire must ensure compliance with all rules/regulations.
- Responsible for maintaining peace and order inside the cockpit premises.
Appeals Process
- Decisions by the city, provincial, or municipal treasurer on permits or licenses can be appealed to the Secretary of Interior.
- The Secretary of Interior's decision on appeals is final.
Penalties for Violations
- Violations of any rules or regulations provide grounds for permit revocation and license forfeiture by the Secretary of Interior.
Transitional Provisions for Existing Cockpits
- Cockpits operating as of January 1, 1941, within prohibited zones have one year to comply, close, or transfer.
- The Secretary of Interior, with Presidential approval, may allow continued operation in special cases.
Legal Authority and Effectivity
- Issued under the authority granted by Commonwealth Act No. 601 concerning places of amusement.
- Signed by the President and Secretary to the President, effectuating its strict enforcement.