In fact, it's a multi-billion peso industry, and if it were to be shut down, many ordinary citizens would be affected.

   
 
Thousands of people earn their livelihood as breeders, and numerous breeding farms across the country employ handlers and gaffers to support the operations. In a cockpit arena, gambling accounts for only about 30% of the activity—the rest revolves around commerce and community. It’s difficult to grasp the full picture unless you visit an arena yourself, but that’s the reality on the ground. These venues employ a range of staff, including referees, who are also considered formal employees."

I remember when COVID hit and cockfighting was temporarily stopped, those people mentioned above really struggled to adjust and find other means of livelihood because they had grown so accustomed to it.