Resolution vs cockfighting ban pushed

A Tinian lawmaker thinks a resolution would suitably convey the CNMI’s opposition to a proposed ban on cockfighting in U.S. territories, including the CNMI.

Rep. Edwin Aldan (R-Tinian) told Saipan Tribune yesterday that a resolution must be drafted—whether through the delegation or the Legislature—to oppose a proposed federal ban on cockfighting.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed last week the 2018 Farm Bill, which includes a provision that extends the federal ban on cockfighting to U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the CNMI.

“For us, especially, that is a cruel punishment. This is culture [that we have been practicing] since the Spanish times,” Aldan told Saipan Tribune. Spain colonized Saipan and Tinian since the mid-1500s to 1899. “We didn’t have baseball and bowling back then. [All we had] was culture.”

He said this ploy by the U.S. House to “sneakily” ban a practice of cultural significance is “uncalled for.”

Aldan noted that even with the recent passage of legislation that protects animal rights in the CNMI, the author “made sure to be mindful” of cockfighting, that the practice is recognized legally and is regulated by law per senatorial district.

Several local lawmakers have expressed opposition to banning cockfighting here. Sen. Teresita A. Santos (R-Rota) believes it could possibly be a violation of the Covenant, which created the CNMI-U.S. political relationship in the first place.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said in a previous statement that the provision was included in the 2018 Farm Bill without comments from citizens of the CNMI. He is concerned about the federal government overriding local legislation without prior local consultation.

All five delegates from the U.S. territories opposed the amendment, saying it would unjustly supersede local laws and regulations on cockfighting, and it would impose a federal ban without any opportunity for the delegates to provide input or consent to the legislation. 

House Speaker Rafael Demapan (R-Saipan) agrees. He believes that policies pertaining to cockfighting should lie within the prerogative of each territory and not mandated “singlehandedly” by the U.S. Congress or federal government.

The 2018 Farm Bill is headed to the U.S. Senate for review and action. Sablan also noted that the new Farm Bill did not include provision to fund the CNMI for E-NAP food assistance programs.

Sablan also noted that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the NMI government is reportedly sitting on $23 million in excess funding from the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is legislation that is renewed every five years.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has yet to issue a statement on the 2018 Farm Bill.