IT is shocking and incomprehensible that government officials are considering resurrecting e-sabong. The Manila Times on August 30 reported that Quezon City Third District Rep. Franz Pumaren had inquired from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) if and when e-sabong operations would resume as he said that some of his constituents — supporters? — were operators who 'are paying rent right now, they're incurring expenses.' Alejandro Tengco, Pagcor chairman and CEO, in response, said, 'We will have to make a decision very soon.' Pagcor is set to submit its recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Mr. President, please do not allow e-sabong to resume. While vice pays for its freedom through the share given to the government, to borrow from Dr. Jose Rizal, it has been established beyond any reasonable doubt that what the government earns from e-sabong cannot justify the social cost. The government itself, through a survey conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government last April, verified the undesirable impact of e-sabong addiction.