AGAP Rep Briones admits watching cockfight video during plenary

AGAP Partylist Rep. Nicanor Briones admitted to watching a cockfight practice video on his phone during a plenary session last Monday, an incident that could lead to a House ethics probe.

Briones denied participating in any online sabong or traditional cockfighting events and said he was merely viewing a message from a relative who invited him to sponsor a derby.

House Committee on Ethics Chairperson Rep. JC Abalos confirmed the committee is taking the matter seriously and may open an investigation, emphasizing that they will not ignore the incident and will follow proper procedures.

Rep. Rolando Valeriano, chair of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, echoed concerns about Briones' conduct, stressing the importance of appropriate behavior for lawmakers both inside and outside Congress.

Abalos proposed forming an independent body to advise the ethics committee on handling complaints of ethical misconduct by lawmakers, aiming to strengthen accountability and transparency processes in the chamber.