GINGOOG City — Cockfighting at Mercado Sports Arena can resume under a temporary franchise valid until November 11, after the Gingoog City Council approved the arena’s request following the expiration of its previous franchise on August 13.
City Councilor Conrado Anjun Gomez, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Amusement, said the council approved the provisional franchise during its October 5 session after the arena’s management paid the required fee.
The request had been deferred during an earlier session because the management had yet to meet the requirements, including payment of the necessary fees, Gomez said.
The management later appealed, saying it had complied with the requirements under City Ordinance No. 2025-429. The council majority then voted to grant the provisional franchise, allowing the arena to resume operations until November 11.
The council also approved special permits for cockfighting events at the arena on October 17 and 31.
Gomez reminded operators that cockfighting on Sundays is prohibited under existing national laws unless covered by a special permit from the City Council.
He also clarified that while the council can declare a franchise expired, the city mayor has the authority to issue a cease-and-desist order.
The temporary approval allows the arena to operate until November 11, but the available information does not specify what requirements, if any, the management must meet to secure a longer-term franchise.
