Philippine Embassy warns Filipinos in France against illegal cockfighting, gambling

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 23, 2026

Photo courtesy: BBC News

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in France has warned Filipinos to refrain from illegal cockfighting and gambling after French authorities raised concerns over activities reportedly involving members of the Filipino community.

In an advisory issued Monday, the embassy said it had been alerted by French authorities to illegal gambling and cockfighting activities being conducted by Filipinos in France. Complaints involving disturbances to the peace and littering had also been linked to the gatherings.

“Filipinos in France are therefore advised that illegal cockfighting is an act of animal cruelty punishable in France by three-year imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros,” the embassy said.

France’s Penal Code provides a penalty of three years in prison and a €45,000 fine for serious abuse or acts of cruelty against domestic, tamed or captive animals. French law contains a limited exception for cockfighting in localities where an uninterrupted local tradition can be established.

The embassy reminded Filipinos that residing and working in France requires compliance with the country’s laws.

“Let us maintain the good name and reputation of the Filipino community with our French hosts,” it said.

Cockfighting, commonly known as sabong in the Philippines, has long been recognized in Philippine law as a traditional activity. Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, describes cockfighting as a “popular, traditional and customary” form of recreation and entertainment among Filipinos, particularly during certain holidays, fiestas and fairs.

However, sabong is not unrestricted even in the Philippines. PD 449 regulates the establishment and operation of cockpits and the circumstances under which cockfights may be held. Electronic cockfighting, or e-sabong, also remains suspended nationwide under Executive Order No. 9 issued in 2022, while traditional cockfights authorized under existing laws are not covered by that suspension.

The Philippine Embassy urged members of the Filipino community in France to observe local laws following the reports brought to its attention by French authorities.