Team DailyPedia
AGAP Partylist Representative Nicanor Briones has admitted he is the lawmaker captured in a viral photo appearing to watch e-sabong (online cockfighting) during a House session on Monday, July 28.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, July 30, Briones explained that he was merely viewing a video sent to him via Messenger and denied actively participating in any form of gambling.
“May nag-message sa akin sa Messenger. So, tiningnan ko lang naman. Hindi ko naman akalain na mayroon palang magkukuha nu’ng aking mga private messages,” he said.
He emphasized that his conscience is clear and that he has never engaged in e-sabong or any gambling activity, citing his unfamiliarity with online financial transactions.
“Hindi naman ako nagsasabong. Ako, hindi mo ko makikita sa kahit saang sabungan. Kaya sabi ko nga, fake news!” Briones stressed. “Online sabong sinasabi, ni wala akong GCash, ni wala akong money transfer online. Hindi ako marunong dahil old school tayo. Alam ko lang text, message, at saka tumanggap, tumawag.”
Briones also issued a public apology, acknowledging that the incident has affected the image of the House of Representatives.
“Humihingi ako ng pasensya dahil ang ating institusyon ng Kongreso, na alam ko namang gustong-gustong batuhin ng marami, ay ako pa ang naging daan para mangyari ‘yon,” he said.
Rep Nicanor Briones na hindi sya nag online sabong. May tumawag na nag iinvite ng traditional sabong pero tumanggi sya. pic.twitter.com/LrUHIt8SWS
— Blue_face (@BlueCh1ca) July 30, 2025
The viral incident prompted strong reactions from lawmakers, including Senator Erwin Tulfo, who called for accountability and pointed to the House Committee on Ethics as the proper venue for disciplinary action.
Tulfo also cited a separate case involving a lawmaker allegedly caught playing poker during a session, saying similar accountability should apply.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, Tulfo announced plans to hold a hearing next week regarding the broader issue of online gambling. He reiterated his call for a total ban, citing the severe social consequences of online betting.
“I am in favor of a total ban on online gambling. The damage it’s causing to Filipino families and society is too much,” Tulfo asserted.
