Pete Castro said the previous management did not collect entrance fee from persons involved in the conduct of the game.
Traditionally, he said, the entrance fee of $5 should not be imposed on cockers and breeders, knifemen and other players.
A group of cockfighters told Variety that it’s unfair for the operator of the only government-sanctioned cockfight arena to continue collecting fees from the persons who bring in gamecocks.
Castro also noted that the management has failed to regularly provide toilet paper in the restroom.
“The management only wants to make money,” he said.
The management also posted a notice to the public that the arena will not be liable for any injuries that occurred within the premises, he added.
But Maryann D. Calvo, the cockfight arena manager, said they are only liable for any accident or injuries involving their workers.
Calvo said illegal cockfighting is still going on and they continue to coordinate with the Department of Public Safety to stop these activities.
Early this year, Sapan Mayor Juan B. Tudela reported that a member of the cockfight board was seen within the site of an illegal cockfighting activity.
Castro admitted to Variety that the mayor was referring to him, but added that he was not involved in illegal cockfights.
“There was no cockfight at that time. We were only playing cards,” he said. “I felt bad about that news. They did that to downgrade my reputation.”
Castro said he wanted to address the problems between the management and the customers but the board seems not interested to resolve the issue.
“There’s no use talking about this when we (the board) who are responsible are doing nothing,” he added.
