July 31, 2025 — Manila, Philippines — AGAP Partylist Representative Nicanor Briones admitted he was the person seen in a circulating video watching online sabong (cockfighting) during a House of Representatives session.
In a public statement, Briones clarified that the clip, which sparked backlash online, was taken out of context. He explained that the video was actually part of a message sent to him by a relative inviting him to sponsor a derby event.
“I do not gamble, I don’t even know how online sabong works,” Briones said, emphasizing that he does not use any online betting platforms or e-wallets.
The lawmaker decided to come forward to protect the integrity of the House, which, he said, has been unfairly portrayed as inactive due to the controversy.
Briones suspects that the incident may be a smear campaign aimed at discrediting him, especially as he has become vocal against agricultural smugglers.
“I apologize to the House of Representatives and to the public for the controversy this has caused. I have also chosen to forgive the person who took the video without my consent, which constitutes a violation of the Data Privacy Act,” he added.
In response to the issue, Briones announced he will soon file a bill seeking to prohibit all forms of online sabong in the country.
