VIRAL

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – AGAP Party-list Representative Nicanor Briones has identified himself as the lawmaker seen in viral photographs and videos watching a cockfight on his phone during the House of Representatives’ session last Monday, July 28. However, Briones vehemently denied any involvement in e-sabong or actual cockfighting.

In an interview with reporters, Briones explained that he was merely watching a video of a “practice fight” sent by his nephew via Facebook Messenger, which was an invitation to be a sponsor in a traditional derby. He stated he was unaware that he had been photographed.

Briones clarified that he was simply checking his messages on Messenger due to the lengthy nominal voting process for Speaker Martin Romualdez’s election when photographers captured the moment. He made the admission after the photographs and videos went viral amid renewed public calls to ban online gambling sites.

“Sa totoo lang, may nag-message sa akin sa Messenger. So, tiningnan ko lang naman. Hindi ko naman akalain na meron palang magkukuha nu’ng aking mga private messages… Hindi naman ako nagsasabong… Fake news,” Briones stated, asserting his innocence regarding the e-sabong allegations.

Briones said he was surprised, but that’s okay because he knows his conscience is clear. He added that while his nephew invited him to participate, he was not interested. Briones further emphasized that he has never been to any cockfighting arena.

To underscore his detachment from online betting, Briones highlighted his lack of digital payment platforms. “I don’t have GCash, I don’t have money transfer apps, I don’t know them. What I know is just to call and text,” he asserted.