A viral video has sparked public outrage after it allegedly captured a sitting congressman watching an online cockfighting match, or e-sabong, during a crucial voting session for the next House Speaker. The incident occurred just hours before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28.
The video, reportedly taken by another attendee inside the Batasang Pambansa, shows the unidentified lawmaker scrolling through a live e-sabong stream on his smartphone. The footage appears to have been recorded during the roll call and official casting of votes—widely considered one of the most important sessions in the legislative calendar.
As of press time, the identity of the congressman remains unconfirmed. However, House insiders suggest that the lawmaker may face internal ethics proceedings once formally identified. The House leadership has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
In the wake of the video’s circulation, several lawmakers and watchdog groups have renewed calls for a total ban on e-sabong and other forms of online gambling. “This is precisely why online gambling should be outlawed,” said Rep. Manuel Rivera of the Anti-Illegal Gambling Coalition. “Even those who write our laws are not immune to the temptations of online betting.”
It’s worth noting that despite growing public concern, President Marcos did not mention online gambling or e-sabong regulation in his recent SONA, leaving some advocates disappointed.
As the video and accompanying photo continue to spread online, netizens are demanding accountability and transparency. Many are calling for the lawmaker involved to be identified and held responsible, stressing that public officials must uphold integrity—especially during events of national significance.