Tacoy describes case as ‘political harassment’
TACLOBAN CITY — Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernardino “Bernie” Tacoy and 13 other municipal officials and police personnel are facing a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman over an allegedly unauthorized cockfighting event held in the municipality during its annual fiesta in June.
The 38-page affidavit-complaint, filed by Jennifer Torrevillas and received by the Ombudsman on August 6, accuses the respondents of allegedly allowing and facilitating a three-day special cockfighting activity on June 11, 13 and 14 despite the alleged absence of the required approval or clearance from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Tacoy, however, maintained that the Local Government Unit of Matag-ob secured all the necessary permits and clearances for the event, saying the complaint was politically motivated.
“We wish to emphasize that the cockfighting event in question was conducted in full compliance with applicable laws and secured all necessary permits and clearances,” Tacoy said in a statement issued Wednesday, August 12.
He said the LGU had not yet received an official copy of the complaint.
Tacoy also described the complaint as “purely harassment and politically motivated,” alleging that it was filed by individuals who lost in the last two elections and supported by a politician who, he said, was targeting his critics. He did not identify the individuals or politician he was referring to.
“This is a clear attempt to hinder us from performing our official duties, yet we remain undeterred by these baseless allegations,” Tacoy said.
“We shall continue to serve the people of Matag-ob faithfully and in accordance with all existing laws and regulations,” he added.
Named as respondents along with Tacoy are Vice Mayor Romeo Albarida, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, municipal licensing officer Jose Jasper Edullantes, and then Matag-ob police chief Maj. Jay Nuñez Zamora.
The complaint alleges that the cockfighting activity was authorized through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 26-163 and a mayor’s permit issued by the municipal Business Permits and Licensing Office.
Torrevillas, who identified herself as a resident of Barangay Mansahaon, Matag-ob, cited a certification issued by the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) dated July 8, 2026, which allegedly stated that the police office had not issued any certification of no objection, clearance, authority, permit or similar document for the cockfighting activity.
The alleged absence of the PNP document is one of the main issues raised in the complaint.
According to the complaint, the event was held as part of the town’s annual fiesta and was promoted as entertainment for balikbayans and other visitors.
Torrevillas also alleged that while the municipal resolution identified the municipal covered court or gymnasium as the venue, the actual cockfighting activities were held at another location in Barangay Bonoy, where a temporary or makeshift cockpit had allegedly been established.
The complaint also cited statements allegedly made by Tacoy during a June 22 flag-raising ceremony and in a subsequent interview in which he reportedly said that the activity had been authorized and that a PNP certification of no objection had been obtained.
The complainant said subsequent verification with the LPPO resulted in the issuance of the July 8 certification stating that no such document had been issued.
The respondents are accused of possible violations of Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, and Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The complaint also seeks administrative sanctions against the respondents for alleged grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and violations of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Torrevillas asked the Ombudsman to investigate the allegations and determine the respondents’ possible criminal and administrative liabilities.
She also sought their preventive suspension, subject to the Ombudsman’s determination and applicable rules.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
