Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday urged regulators to take action against online gambling operators allegedly embedding their platforms in widely used digital applications. 'I am deeply concerned by reports that online gambling has infiltrated some of the most widely used digital platforms, including messaging apps and e-commerce sites such as Viber, Telegram, and Lazada. This is a malicious and predatory practice that we should not tolerate,' Gatchalian said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to 'immediately order the delinking of online gambling sites from messaging and e-commerce platforms operating in the country.' He emphasized the urgency of government intervention to prevent gambling operators from exploiting technology and online services intended to enhance convenience for Filipinos.

Gatchalian expressed concerns that a total ban might not effectively deter online gambling, citing the continued prevalence of e-sabong despite its prohibition. He advocated for stricter regulations to ensure that online gambling does not move underground, which would complicate regulatory efforts and increase risks for vulnerable populations, especially the youth.

He had previously introduced a bill aimed at tightening regulations on online gambling to address the addiction affecting many Filipinos, which has led to social issues, including crime and mental health problems. Gatchalian stressed the need to enhance regulatory measures to protect lives and dreams from being destroyed by gambling addiction.

Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo suggested restricting online gambling payments to bank transactions, as the minimum deposit and withdrawal requirements could deter low-income Filipinos from participating. Tulfo highlighted that many poor Filipinos lack bank accounts, and restricting transactions to banks could prevent drivers, workers, and students from incurring gambling-related debts.

Tulfo also mentioned that the Senate plans to summon e-wallet firms, banks, telecommunications companies, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to explain the persistence of gambling payments despite efforts to remove links.