In a moment that sent shockwaves through the online community and the halls of Philippine politics, a congressman was caught watching e-sabong—online cockfighting—during an official session of the House of Representatives. The incident, which many are calling a disgrace to public service, was captured on video and immediately went viral.

The lawmaker, whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed, was seen glued to his phone screen while serious legislative discussions were taking place. As debates on national policy unfolded, his focus was clearly elsewhere. The behavior sparked massive backlash, with netizens furious at the blatant disregard for public responsibility. But it wasn’t just the public who reacted. Senator Raffy Tulfo, a prominent figure known for championing justice and accountability, did not hesitate to speak out.

Tulfo, during a segment on his program, launched a fiery critique of the congressman’s actions. He condemned the official for betraying the public trust, stating emphatically that government positions are meant for service—not for gambling, digital or otherwise. His message resonated strongly with viewers who have grown tired of misconduct in government. Tulfo even called for an immediate ethics investigation and possible sanctions, saying this was more than a personal mistake—it was a clear violation of the public’s trust.

For context, e-sabong has been a deeply divisive issue in the Philippines. While the practice of cockfighting is culturally rooted, its digital counterpart has become a magnet for controversy. The rapid rise of e-sabong during the pandemic drew in thousands, but it also brought a wave of social issues, from addiction and financial hardship to reports of criminal activity and even disappearances. Despite efforts to regulate or ban it, e-sabong continues to thrive in many corners of the internet, often under lax enforcement.

So, when a sitting lawmaker is caught enjoying a live e-sabong match in the middle of a legislative session, it hits a nerve. The image of a congressman, paid by taxpayer money, indulging in online gambling while national issues are discussed, is both infuriating and symbolic of a deeper dysfunction. That’s why this moment matters—it’s not just about one man’s lapse in judgment. It’s about the culture of accountability, or the lack of it, in Philippine politics.

The public’s outrage has been swift and loud. Online forums, comment sections, and social media timelines are filled with demands for action. Hashtags like #E_SabongCongressman and #TulfoExposé have trended nationwide. Calls for resignation have emerged, while watchdog organizations urge Congress to adopt stricter guidelines to prevent such conduct in the future. Tulfo’s voice in this matter added significant pressure, especially since his opinion carries considerable weight with the public.

Some insiders say that behind closed doors, House officials are already discussing potential disciplinary measures. One proposal gaining traction involves tighter rules on device use during plenary sessions. There is talk of banning mobile phones completely, or at the very least monitoring usage more strictly during official duties. Though some legislators argue this might be too invasive, public sentiment is shifting toward accountability over convenience.

This incident also raises a broader question: If lawmakers can’t focus during the very sessions where laws are made, what message does that send to the people? The role of a public servant demands full attention, especially when critical policies are on the table. Being distracted by e-sabong during such moments is not only irresponsible—it’s dangerous.

Raffy Tulfo’s involvement in the matter gives the controversy even more traction. Known for exposing wrongdoing and standing up for ordinary Filipinos, Tulfo reminded the public that complacency should never be tolerated in public office. His reaction wasn’t just commentary—it was a call to action. And based on the overwhelming public support for his message, the people are listening.

At the heart of this story lies a sobering truth: many Filipinos feel disconnected from their leaders. Incidents like this widen that gap. But they also spark conversations about reform, transparency, and what kind of behavior the public should expect—and demand—from their elected officials.

This isn’t just another political scandal. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that every minute a lawmaker spends distracted during session is a minute lost in addressing the country’s most urgent problems. And when that distraction is something as controversial as e-sabong, it becomes impossible to ignore.