The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has found an adequate basis to investigate criminal and administrative complaints against Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and Police Colonel Antonietto Cañete concerning a series of cockfighting events in a hotel last year.
The anti-graft office also ordered the two officials to file their counter-affidavits in response to the complaint filed by Kristian Hassamal, a former city official as well as an ally of former mayor Mike Rama.
In the directive, the Ombudsman ordered Garcia and Cañete to submit their documents and evidence within 10 days or risk having the cases decided based solely on existing records. The order stated, “Finding enough basis to proceed with the criminal and administrative investigation of these cases, respondents are hereby ordered to file their counter-affidavits and other controverting evidence to the said complaint.”
Garcia and Cañete were reached for a comment, but only Cañete responded. He initially said he was not allowed to discuss it publicly but later clarified that he has not yet received such an order from the Office of the Ombudsman.
Hassamal’s complaint was based on alleged violations of city ordinances and national regulations in connection with multiple cockfighting events held at a known hotel and casino in 2024. Reportedly, Garcia issued Letters of No Objection (LONO) despite the City Council’s rejection of the events, leading the way for special permits to be granted.
Hassamal claimed that promotional materials and videos for the events were posted online, further strengthening his accusations. According to Hassamal, Garcia “knowingly and willfully” allowed the events despite the venue not being a licensed cockpit, the lack of proper permits, and the events exceeding the number of days allowed for cockfights.
He cited that these were violations of Presidential Decree 449, the Cockfighting Law of 1974, and Cebu City Ordinance No. 1447 of 1993. Aside from that, Hassamal also attached pieces of evidence in his complaints regarding the conduct of these cockfighting events.
Apart from Garcia, Hassamal included P/Col. Cañete in his complaints of grave misconduct and violations of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code, and Sections 3(e) and 3(j) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Hassamal requested subpoenas to gather testimonies to support his claims.
