Congressman Caught Watching Online Sabong Before SONA Speaks Out
NICANOR BRIONES – The AGAP Party-list Representative admitted on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, that he was the person in the viral photo watching an online sabong video inside the House of Representatives on Monday, July 28. During a press briefing, he explained that someone had sent him the video through Facebook Messenger, and he merely watched it out of curiosity.
Briones clarified that he does not participate in cockfighting and has never placed any bets online. He emphasized that he does not know how to use digital financial tools like GCash or online money transfers. “Hindi naman ako nagsasabong. Ako hindi mo ko makikita sa kahit saang sabungan. At fake news! Online sabong sinasabi, ni wala akong Gcash, ni wala akong money transfer online. Hindi ako marunong dahil old school tayo. Alam ko lang text, message, at saka tumanggap, tumawag,” he said.
He expressed surprise that his private message activity had been captured and shared publicly but stressed that he has nothing to hide. “So nagulat na lang ako dahil alam ko naman mayroon talagang hindi dapat tinitignan pero okay lang ‘yon dahil malinis ang konsensya ko,” he added.
Briones also offered an apology for unintentionally putting the reputation of Congress at risk. He acknowledged that many people are quick to criticize the institution and regretted being the cause of further controversy. “Humihingi ako ng pasensya dahil ang ating institusyon ng Kongreso na alam ko namang gustong-gustong batuhin ng marami ay ako pa ang naging daan para mangyari ‘yon,” he said.
The viral photo quickly drew attention on social media and fueled speculation, especially with the ongoing controversy surrounding e-sabong and the issue of missing sabungeros (cockfighters).
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