Tulfo Drops Bombshell on NBI, Names Alleged E-Sabong Kingpins

Sen. RAFFY TULFO did not mince words.

In a fiery Senate Games and Amusement Committee hearing, Tulfo blasted law enforcement agencies for what he described as their failure to crush illegal online cockfighting — or e-sabong — despite a total nationwide ban.

The Philippine National Police.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.
And most notably, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“You’ve taken down small-time sites — guerrillas,” Tulfo said. “But you know who the gambling kingpin is. Why can’t you touch them?”

During the hearing, Tulfo publicly named PINEDA and BERNOS as alleged gambling kingpins, based on information and footage presented before the Senate. Live video evidence allegedly showed illegal operations still active in Central Luzon.

If the ban is real, why is the operation still running?

That is the question hanging heavily in the chamber.

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PAYOLA IN CENTRAL LUZON?

Rumors swirling inside the Senate are even more explosive.

Sources claim that a certain official from the NBI–Central Luzon Regional Office is allegedly serving as a conduit for “hatag” or payoff money connected to the operations of BERNOS and PINEDA.

An alias “Leo,” allegedly described as a bagman, is reportedly delivering “padulas” to the NBI Central Office — funds that are supposedly divided among certain officials.

These claims remain allegations and have not been proven in court. But the persistence of illegal e-sabong operations raises serious questions.

If there is no protection money, then why can’t the authorities shut it down completely?

Are they afraid?
Or is someone being greased?

Even more disturbing are whispers that some within the agency allegedly mock the Senator’s outrage — saying everyone benefits anyway.

Is that true?

Only a full and transparent investigation can answer that.

As the saying goes: Where there is smoke, there may be fire.

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PODCAST OR POLICING?

While illegal gambling allegedly thrives, the NBI has launched — of all things — a podcast.

Yes, a podcast.

Instead of raids and arrests, critics say the Bureau appears busy discussing its “successes” online.

Netizens are not impressed.

Some insiders claim the podcast feels more like a casual storytelling session than a serious law enforcement initiative.

Under Republic Act 10867, the NBI Modernization Act, the Bureau’s mandate is clear: investigation and enforcement of criminal laws.

Nowhere does it say “content creation.”

The question is simple:
Is this within their mandate — or a distraction from it?

While heinous crimes remain unsolved, resources are allegedly being poured into image-building exercises.

Who approved this?
Who benefits from it?
And why now?

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WHAT ABOUT ATONG ANG?

Another name frequently linked to sabong controversies is ATONG ANG, who has publicly faced allegations in connection with high-profile cases involving missing cockfighting enthusiasts.

Authorities have previously announced rewards in connection with certain investigations.

So here is the public’s question:

If government agencies can announce rewards and hold press conferences — why can’t they produce arrests and convictions?

If suspects are merely alleged, then investigate thoroughly and clear their names.

If crimes were committed, file airtight cases.

But silence and inaction only breed suspicion.

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INUTIL — OR COMPLICIT?

Is the NBI truly “useless,” as Tulfo implied?

Or is something deeper at play?

These are not conclusions — these are questions demanding answers.

The continued operation of illegal e-sabong despite a nationwide ban is no rumor. It is a matter raised in an official Senate hearing.

If agencies are doing their job, prove it.

If allegations are false, address them head-on.

If there is corruption, expose it.

The public deserves transparency — not podcasts.

This column remains open to the official response of the NBI and all individuals named above. They are entitled to present their side.

But until illegal operations are fully dismantled, the questions will not go away.

Prove the critics wrong.

Or the label may stick.

 

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